Jack Penate: Matinee (XL)

This gritty, rocking album has been floating around for a few weeks but seems to have been passed over by most writers.

That's strange given Penate's high profile in the UK where he has been hailed like a Billy Bragg on heat, as a South London soul poet, and "the new darling of pop" (The Sun)

There is an undeniable energy to his smartly crafted songs which equally recall the Jam, the Tom Robinson Band and anxious folk-punks. But he also has a wonderful way with a melodic ballad (the gorgeous string-supported We Will Be Here) which suggests that he is a whole lot smarter than his noisy peers and is in for the long haul.

He has a musical reach and ambition that is barely hinted at on this impressive debut. Get in now and avoid the rush.