Trees Outside The Academy is the first output for Thurston (Sonic Youth founder member, guitar and vocalist) Moore since 1995's Psychic Heart and it's something of a surprise - taking pride of place instead of sonic experimentation comes 12 largely acoustic based songs.

Ably supported by Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelly and violinist Samara Lubelski (MV/EE And The Golden Road) the album is something of a gem. With Moore laying down acoustic guitar and bass, Samara Lubelski's violin gives the proceedings a distinctly 1970's sound not a million miles removed from the sound deployed by Ric Grech in Family.

And the songs themselves are lovingly constructed and have something of a gentle timeless quality. That's not to say experimentalism has been entirely abandoned - there's still some sonic meanderings chucked in here and there, but primarily this is a singer - songwriter album with guests dropping in - Christina Carter providing some excellent vocals, Andrew McGregor some extra guitar licks and John Moloney taking over drums on Wonderful Witches.

Overall the album has a sort of sixties vibe and turns out to be a rather enjoyable, if unexpected, experience.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley