The ShortListen: C Duncan (no. 191)

Who? C Duncan

What’s the story? First off, we're not really sure why Chris doesn't just use his first name instead of 'C'. To paraphrase John Cleese, Chris is a nice name. But, anyway, C it is - and, having released a debut album, Architect, in July on the legendary Fat Cat label (early home to Sigur Ros amongst others) which flew somewhat under the radar, it's now been given a new lease of life by that blessing/curse of a Mercury Prize nomination. To celebrate, he's given one of the album highlights, For, an 'Autumn Rebuild'. Really, as it's been sped up and made more breezy, it's really more of a spring remake, but we won't split hairs: it's a lovely demonstration of exactly what the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland alumnus is all about: mixing dream pop, acoustica and folk structures, melodies and harmonies. Our only concern is if the advertisers get hold of the whistle hook - remember when we all used to like Young Folks? Not any more. Check this out, and then have a listen to the parent album too.

For fans of: Cara Dillon, Fleet Foxes, Lucy Rose

In three words: Acoustic folk pop