*** Mr. Wright

STARTIME SIDEREAL SOUNDS

(Le Grand Magistery)

Kevin Wright -- or Mr. Wright, to his fans -- is nothing if not astute. The Brit singer/songwriter waits until the end of his debut to break out "Strange Feeling," which that seesaws between two staccato chords while he recites a dreary realist narrative worthy of a Ken Loach film. Before arriving at this shadowy crossroads, Wright and accompanying musicians wobble through arrangements like drunks trying to walk a straight line. They manage not to fall over -- in fact, "Paraphernalia" is a better Roxy Music approximation than anything from the Velvet Goldmine soundtrack, all lush and accented with oblique female backing vocals. And "You're a Queen" is a glam slam, with keening synths ricocheting around a midtempo stomp.

Wright doesn't get bogged down in Bowie land -- he pushes off to explore other aesthetics, from sensitive, strummy folk rock ("Life Is Elsewhere") to lightheaded bossa nova/lounge ("The Balloon Race"). And he twists his words and melodies playfully, transforming sentimentality into a menagerie of morbid thoughts, estranged feelings, and sad tales of love gone stale.

-- Richard Martin