Cascadeur is one of France's most distinctive vocalists, his 2011 debut firmly establishing him as one of the country's most promising artists.
His follow up - Ghost Surfer - released this month up secures that reputation. His voice both affecting and powerful, standing comparison to the likes of Anthony Heggarty, Neil Young or Robert Wyatt.
The album was preceded by the single Ghost Surfer, a song I felt initially a bit disappointed by. I liked it, but didn't love it. But given time the song gradually crept in and took up residence.
The album is an assured work, by an artist confident about his vision and certain about how to realise it. His voice rightly takes centre stage, even amidst lush arrangements, whether in French or English and even in wordless tracks like Dark Passenger.
For all he wears his helmet or Mexican mask concealing his face, Alexandre Longo lets his voice reveal more about his personality. Emotional but also playful as well, sensitive but also powerful.
There's art and beauty here, but he never lets that get in the way of a good pop song.
Appearances by Stuart A Staples from The Tindersticks on The Crossing and French veteran Christophe on Collector add elements to the picture, but don't distract from the overall work
Looking here for something that matches the immediate jaw-dropping wonder that was Walker off his debut? Report to The Crossing immediately. And beyond that, there is much to listen to repeatedly and enjoy for the long term.
Ghost Surfer looks like it will be one of 2014's key releases.
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