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Hand Built By Robots is the debut album from the British singer-songwriter. Much was expected of this album because of the attention he has been receiving in recent months.

Before I even start to talk about the album lets clear one thing up. He isn't a British version of Jack Johnson. They have 2 things in common they both write their own songs and play the guitar, but that's where the similarities end. I Need Something sets the standard for the record. A simple song that has depth and feeling of the kind that hooks you in.

It's easy to see where previous comparisons have come from, because the type of joyful songs of yearning he writes could easily be played as the backdrop to an American teen drama. To show the full extent of his talent he took a very brave and dangerous decision. That decision was to cover Massive Attack's Teardrop, the way he has stripped it back to the bare acoustics is a thing to behold. He has made it even more intense than the original.

People Should Smile More is exactly as you expect from the title. It's a happy tune with a message that's only too true today. It probably sums up the album well also. Newton is a real musician who writes real songs. This isn't just another fad artist who will be forgotten by the time you are writing your Christmas cards. This is the start of, what I believe, could be a long career.

Rating 7/10 - A fine start and not a surfboard in sight

Reviewed by Darren