Ryan Martin John’s Goodness Gracious Graceless (Independent) emerged blinking into the world in April and right from the opening track ‘Bourbon St’ it caught my ear and drew me in via the lush and spacious palette of sounds with shimmering guitars and John’s exquisite soulful folk voice. His falsetto and pure, wavering tone constantly thrills across the album’s ten songs, gracefully soaring above and beyond the subtly inventive arrangements and perfectly restrained playing. 

At various times the Adelaide songwriter’s voice reminds me of Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and locals Steve Smith of Fallon Cush and Davey Craddock – through an easy-listening Laurel Canyon filter. He possess a sharp turn of phrase too, with lines that sound both fresh and obvious at the same time. 

Gentle twang and indie folk tropes run freely through John’s songs though they always remain on the right side of the tracks, never veering into pastiche or cloying sentimentality. You believe what he saying as he makes the heart swell and convincingly encourages the listener to empathise. 

Among the many standouts, ‘Concorde’ is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’ with Alana Jag’s vocal the perfect, sublime foil to John’s higher register. By contrast, ‘I’ve Been Waiting’ is a glorious and playful, stop/start rhythmic delight, like the Black Keys without the bluster and with extra soul.

This is sophisticated music, yet wholly accessible and overflowing with both melancholy and melodies that will warm the most cold-hearted and sceptical music fan. File under sun-kissed Americana.