Coral associate Neville Skelly comes from Liverpool, claims to be influenced by classic American songwriters such as Cole Porter and George Gershwin and cut his teeth in working men’s clubs and big bands. Yet the closest point of reference for ‘Carousel’ is probably Richard Hawley, with whom Skelly shares a whisky-stained voice that works well with the very un-2014 musical backing, all tasteful acoustic guitars, brushed drums and soft slide guitar. The result is a warm and polished album. ‘Carousel’ was recorded in a friend’s kitchen and at times it feels like you are there, with Skelly singing into your ear over a candlelit sink. Only the odd David Gray-type wail – as on ‘Love You Gave’ – upsets the effect.