Joe Cassidy released three LPs and several EPs in the '90s under the band name Butterfly Child, then all went quiet. Futures is a spectacular return to form, dragging his particular brand of dreamy pop music kicking and screaming into the present day.

Since Butterfly Child's last album, Cassidy has been writing for film, documentaries and commercials. Fans of Butterfly Child will be pleased to hear not only is a new album released, but that it's probably Cassidy's finest collection of songs, under the Butterfly Child banner, released so far.

The LP contains 13 songs (50 min, 51 sec), with personal highlights including the hypnotic 'Still Learning to Crawl'; the beautiful instrumental 'Sheets of Whitewashed Sun'; the memorable 'A Shot in the Dark'; 'Night Music'; and 'Beauty #2'.

It's a wonderful adventure that Cassidy takes us on. Whether you're a fan of the band's old output or have never heard of them before, this is an album that everyone should get a kick out of.

9

Nick Smithson