After several jaunts around the world Steve Mason returns to the where it all began, with an album of material as close to his original recordings with The Beta Band as any of his projects since they split in 2004. But this isn’t just a cursory glance over the shoulder; Boys Outside is a record embroiled with memories of growing up, its song’s conjure images of yellowing postcards from a life well lived. An almanac of all things Mason – bound in a tidy (if slightly tarnished) fashion.

As interesting as the dance-floor tinged Black Affair or the more experimental King Biscuit Time were, it always felt like The Beta Band was where he was most comfortable. His choice to record without guise or moniker only further adds to the sense of stability and honesty that engrains the autobiographical aspect of the album.

But this isn’t a nostalgia trip or a feeble attempt to recapture former glories. It’s a return home from several years travelling. Finding him older, wiser and more assured of what really matters. Consolidating his knowledge and experience into one distilled body of work that perfectly expresses everything about him.

Accompanying him on this trip is producer Richard X; together they lay extremely solid musical foundations upon which to assemble their masterpiece. Taking simple and minimal loops then laying them together to make a cacophony from the chaos. Like dropping boxes of springs, balls and wind instruments down an escalator and having them all find their own natural rhythm and place. On top of this rests Steve’s unmistakable voice, relaxed yet infused with emotion. It’s easy to forget how accomplished a singer he really is, so this serves as a timely reminder as to the breadth of his talents.

This is understated yet monumentally self-assured material from one of our finest songwriters, which comes highly recommended.