Rock

Few artefacts set off my poo detectors as fast as solo albums by drummers from famous bands. Happily, in the case of Radiohead’s Phil Selway, drums are not what Familial is about. Right from the fragile opener, ‘By Some Miracle’ – an acoustic number – it’s obvious Selway is a proper songwriter, every bit as interested in melody, texture and lyrics as he is in beats. Indeed, the album’s percussive pulse is very subtle indeed, being beautifully integrated and imaginative throughout the set. The death of his mother in 2006 gave him the impetus to express his feelings here, and the quiet intensity and intelligence of tracks like ‘Falling’ and ‘Broken Promises’ augurs well for the follow-up.

Sound Quality:  96%