Mike Marlin - This Town

Mike Marlin returns

, Man on the Ground (Feb 13), a throwback to 80s pop which tosses in Marlin's growly voice, an infectious chorus and some catchy melodies. "It's better than it's ever been but I'm never gonna leave this town again," Marlin sings over a poppy backing which shows why HMV picked him as their Next Big Thing last year, sounding much like The National's Matt Berninger, only happier.

Meanwhile shuffling b-side 'Unfortunate Son' adds a touch of lively Jarvis Cocker-esque lyrical wordplay and a slash of humour which shows Marlin may have plenty of strings to his bow to showcase when he comes to a town near you.