Indie folk singer–songwriter and guitarist José González’s dulcet tones first drifted over me in the back of Readings Carlton in 2007 as he was performing a few beautiful songs from his then recently released album, In Our Nature. González has since recorded two studio albums with his band, Junip, and contributed to the soundtrack for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty directed by and starring Ben Stiller. Vestiges & Claws is González’s first solo album since 2007 and was self-produced in his homeland, Sweden.

His new album marks a shift from the renowned minimalist sound of his previous albums and is the first of his albums to contain all original songs. As brilliant as they were, I used to have a slight issue with the fact that Gonález was best known for his popular covers including The Knife’s ‘Heartbeats’, Kylie Minogue’s ‘Hand on Your Heart’ and Joy Division’s ‘Love Will Tear Us Apart’.

I’m relieved that he’s now found his own voice, creating what is a beautiful album that includes a vibrant mix of mild protest songs of frustration, moving through to peace and optimism. This collection of eccentric folk rock, staccato grooves and rhythms is the perfect accompaniment to a blissful sunny afternoon.

Emily Harms