Aidan Knight

No longer a one-man act, Aidan Knight's second album, Small Reveal, does two things: expand in size and sound while simultaneously drawing inward for its subject matter. Having a proper band back Knight up not only helps drive a more cohesive sound than its predecessor, 2010's Versicolour, it also ensures a fuller, more embellished sound without ever compromising Knight's thoughtful songwriting. Knight goes deep within the psyche of a songwriter and performer in numbers that often veer into another person's perspective. Sparkling, light-hearted single "A Mirror" has Knight narrating from a female's perspective, whereas stunningly sombre closer "Margaret Downe" is a tale of a made-up character that stretches Knight's storytelling skills to a new level, one destined to develop into a defining strength of his. Small Reveal is a record that takes its time to unravel through five-minute-long plots and instrumental interludes, and is ultimately a significant step in the right direction for Knight and his young career.