Rob Richings Parkas and Boots out on Crescent Records on October 7.

This debut album from Swindon singer/songwriter Rob Richings reflects his journey through the dark days of illness and his battle towards recovery.

The title track kicks off with a retrospective look at his teenage years of friendships and freedom.

Rob's voice, reminiscent of Glenn Tilbrook from Squeeze, has that warm golden honey tone that lifts the dark melancholy of the strings.

In the Americana pop of Ten Seconds his voice soars over beat-laden guitar. Rob says this track is about waking in the morning and feeling fine for those few seconds before reality seeps into your conscious. For me it is the single on the album, a little gem.

The stadium track, however, has to be Crossbow with its big and powerful sweep of sound. It is a beautifully crafted modern pop song, with a folky twist.

The travel songs are Mississippi and Sunset In Tibet. They are full of allusions to the long road of life, to karma, to searching for adventure and yet longing for the warm safety of home.

Rob paints pictures with his songs, he is observant and an excellent lyricist, as is proved in Glorious, with its raw emotion and vibrant imagery - 'As a red balloon flies through blue velvet skies.'

Half Way Up is a reflection of having good days and bad days, of putting one foot in front of another.

The album production is slick and polished, not surprising as it was produced by Chris Vallejo from Passenger.

All 10 songs are poignant and personal, yet still resonate with a wider audience. The tides of despair and hope sweep through these tales of a troubadour, violins create soft, sad moods while upbeat guitar brings a gleam of sun through the mist. - Flicky Harrison