Cartoon Maher

Maher fills the John Lennon role in the hugely popular tribute band The Classic Beatles so no great surprises that his debut solo album displays plenty of Fab Four influences. Not that heês hung up on them and there is enough variation on offer here to mark him out as a true original. Highlight by far is the slow-burning, vaguely psychedelic 'Soak it Up' but strong songs abound on this well-produced offering.