Anxious times

London born folk rocker Keaton Henson was probably destined for a career in popular culture – his father is an actor and his mother a ballerina. And not only is he a singer/songwriter of growing stature he is also a poet and visual artist.

The sleeve is an impressionist self-portrait that hints perhaps at a troubled and complex mind at work.

Kindly Now is his third album and sees him baring his soul in a stripped back collection of songs that examines his own life with an unflinching honesty.

His debut album ‘Dear...’ was given a push when Zane Lowe showed an interest, while the follow-up Birthdays received plenty of acclaim.

His music is sparse - built round beautifully played piano or guitar – and it all seems a little anxious, which is not surprising as he admits to having battled with anxiety for most of his life.

But, that is not to say that there is not plenty to enjoy. There are reference points to revered singer/songwriters from Damien Rice to Tim Buckley and while Henson is not yet in that league there is an undoubted talent at work here.

Highlights include Good Lust which lives up to its title being both erotic and lovely. The impossibly romantic Old Lovers In Dressing Rooms pushes it close.

It’s hard not to conclude that Henson would be better for relaxing a bit - but that’s easier said then done, and in any case the mood of fragile tension he conjures up is paradoxically one of his strengths. To be in with a chance of winning this album answer this question. Henson released an electronic album under what name? Entries to,Keaton, Nigel Thornton, Peterborough Telegraph, Unex House - Suite B,Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 1NG by September 30.