After playing kiss chase with big record labels and hide and seek with big breaks, singer/songwriter Jack Savoretti finally hit the money, signing with BMG in 2014. Despite nearly calling it quits on the music industry all together back in 2009 when his record label only released Harder Than Easy as a download, it seems the songwriting bug couldn’t let the acoustic-come-mountain-folk singer stay quiet for much longer.

Combining his song writing talents and soulful, country, yet gritty voice, along with the new inspiration of a worthy record label, you would have hoped to have received something stunning from Savoretti, and for him to have finally landed on his – very much supported in the music industry – feet. Yet Sleep No More leaves you feelings somewhat deflated, due to your anticipation.

Despite Savoretti’s distinguishable pitch perfect and velvet voice standing strong throughout, the album somewhat lacks distinction and a skip-a-heartbeat kind of song. It lacks something definable, a song you put on your “favourite tracks of the month” play list.

Though it is clear Savoretti’s album has been produced with sincere attention to detail, as in songs such as ‘Deep Waters’ where an intriguing guitar riff starts playing quietly leading you up to the echoed tone of Savoretti’s voice, and also during ‘We Are Bound’ in which a beautiful violin plays hauntingly throughout – there still lacks a lyric which breaks your heart or a moment where the music sends you flying. Coming off the back of a history in poetry, you really do expect more from Savoretti.

Whilst the album does falter in places you wish it shone, there are still some beautiful songs such as ‘I’m Yours’ and ‘Tight Rope’ which express “You gave me a reason I didn’t know I was looking for” and “You are the only one who can help me make it through the night” respectively. One could imagine these being played softly in the background of a first dance, surrounded by fairy lights. Plus ‘Lullaby Loving’ is a true highlight of the album, ending the fifth full album of Savoretti’s with a feeling that you’ve found a quiet corner in a small Spanish village, picking olives whilst hearing a curious musical sound around the corner… drawing you closer.

Sleep No More is released on 28th October via BMG.

Mickey F