Ah, The Hot Sprockets. They were Ireland's answer to The Monkees you know, and their last album, Dream Mover, is a cast-iron classic that would put a smile on a concrete elephant. Anyway, they're now with O'Leary in the grave, and yet Coldplay proceed, unchallenged. Explain that one to me!

If, like me, you miss the good-time boogie The Sprockets were laying down then there's good news as front-man Wayne Soper (man) has released his debut solo E.P. Transcend under the nom de guerre Midnight Wayne. Eschewing the knock about rock abouts of the Sprockets, Wayne has headed for the dream pop stratosphere. Take the gentle sway of opener 'Stars' with its chorus of "where did you go?" which is perhaps a look back to his former days. Delicate guitar combines with Soper's keyboard experiments - I'd say his attic is a disaster - to create something naggingly gorgeous.

There's more pleasant psychedelic meandering - hardly a surprise, have you ever seen the cut of this lad sashaying down the street? - behind 'World Keep Me Under' and the sunshine pop of 'Someone Like You' which in another, better world would be a massive hit that you'd be sick of hearing. 'Transcend' wouldn't be far behind it either, another toe-tapper that wouldn't have been out of place coming from his old crew back in the glory days of Sweeney's. 'Pieces Of Me' is a bit of tie-dyed whimsy that will do your life no harm at all.

As far as I know, Wayne hasn't any gigs lined up to promote this release so if you spot him in the street or propping up a bar, approach him at speed, grab both his doubtless oversized lapels and demand to know at the top of your voice - feel free to kick him in the shin, for further emphasis -  when we're going to see him back on the boards because a release like this deserves both pushing and wider attention. Big floppy hats off.

https://open.spotify.com/album/1yRN0YLM9FNIQf582g9vVi?si=Eltth8VDSK629bQZnKziLg