henrik Faction (CD, £9.95)

There can't be many musicians who can claim a Grammy-award winning producer like Giles Martin (son of George, producer of The Beatles 'Love') has worked on their bedroom-made album, recorded on a beaten up old Mac. Multi-instrumentalist Henrik Irgens is an in-demand session musician, having worked with a diverse roster of artists from Vanessa Carlton and Rooster to Morcheeba, BodyRockers and Kim Richey. Currently a member of major label act Jamie Scott and The Town, he also plays bass in Steve Lamacq's original cult Punk Rock Karaoke band. Putting his session work to one side, Henrik has made 'Faction'; an emotive, melodic and evocative album, with hints of Sigur Ros, early Bright Eyes and even David Sylvian and Elliott Smith. Made over a two-year period using any instruments and equipment Henrik could lay his hands on, contributors to the album include Paul Winter-Hart of Kula Shaker/Aqualung on drums, Canadian musician Tim Phillips (aka Cathead), Danish rock royalty Tim Christensen and Icelandic vocalist Thorunn Antonia Magnusdottir of Fields. The first CD pressing of 'Faction' contains two exclusive bonus tracks not available for download.