José González - Vestiges & Claws

IF an artist has been away from the music scene for more than seven years you would expect their comeback album to have an impact.

But José González returns to the circuit with more of a whisper than a roar.

The Swedish singer-songwriter's music has always been understated and laid back but his third album, Vestiges & Claws, just offers nothing new.

That is not a bad thing in small doses. González is a brilliant guitarist and his finger-picking classical style is instantly recognisable and appealing.

Some of the songs are dreamy and evocative and might remind you of the late, great Nick Drake.

But you get a sense you have heard all this before. There is no attempt to branch out and try something new.

Most of the songs sound like they could have been B-sides on González's hit debut album, Veneer, and that came more than a decade ago.

And it lacks any standout songs like Veneer's brilliant Heartbeats and Crosses.

Vestiges & Claws is González's first solo record since 2007's In Our Nature.

But the artist has been busy since recording two albums with the band Junip and working on the soundtrack to Ben Stiller's film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

There is nothing wrong with Vestiges & Claws and it will keep loyal fans going but it does not match the scope you would expect from such a talented man.

- José González performs at Manchester Academy 2 on March 14

DAVID MORGAN