Ed Harcourt's fifth album in six years is streets ahead of anything he has done before.

The singer himself describes the album as the first he's done that he's proud enough - nay confident enough - to encourage other people to listen to. Such sentiments are not surprising. The Beautiful Lie is as clear a signpost towards better things as any fan of the man could wish for.

Not only does it contain some of the best, and most beautiful, songs that he's ever recorded - listen to the pared back beauty of The Pristine Claw or Whirlwind In D Minor and say it isn't so - but throughout the album's varied material there's a confidence, a sense of joy almost, that has been so nearly attained in earlier work such as From Every Sphere or Here Be Monsters, but never quite achieved.

If you're trying to find a homegrown Rufus Wainright, look no further - Ed's your man. Only he's better. Much better.