No lesser a leading light than former Creation records boss Alan McGhee personally endorses the latest release from Merseyside’s Chris Grant. To be fair as the owner of 359 records, through whom Grant’s album “It’s Not About War" is released, you would expect nothing less, but it’s a glowing recommendation in spite of this. 

You can pick up the local accent in Grant's voice within the first couple of lines of opener "our Story" but rather than coming across as a scouse version of The Proclaimers, it seems quite appropriate as this album is cut from similar cloth to successful Liverpudlian indie bands The Las and Echo and The Bunnymen. "Our Story" and second song "I Am The One" set the tone for the album with Grant's vocals laid over the top of some delightful arpeggio guitar lines. 

The album is split approximately into two styles, Grant plus very minimal backing or full band songs, the latter of which is where Grant seems to be more comfortable. His use of different instrumentation is impressive, especially during the orchestration and piano dominated "Maybe Now". Lead single "It's You!" seems to be a strange choice to these ears, a sparse melancholic number featuring Grant's (admittedly) charming voice, an acoustic guitar and some strings. Although it’s an enjoyable song, there are more immediate tunes on what is a decent album. 

Classy indie pop from a man who certainly has an ear for a decent melody - if you like your indie, this is something you should definitely check out. 7/10 (and it's staying on my iPod!)

★★★½