Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Shine

When it comes to a glorious one-two of folky campfire tunes to warm the soul, you don't get much better than Benjamin Francis Leftwich and his singles Shine and Atlas Hands.

Shine bases its foundations on spidery, uber-precise guitar playing; it's a real musicians song yet also manages to boast the most radio-friendly of choruses. It feels airy and fresh, like that unbeatable feeling of an ice cold drink on a sweltering summer's day (perfect for this week then!)

Leftwich's tracks are short, both Shine and Atlas Hands clock in at under three minutes, but what this allows is a more intense connection with the listener - that esteemed quality of making it seem like Leftwich is singing to you, and only you.

There's a gorgeous bit of personal poetry going in Atlas Hands,  'I will remember your face, because I'm still in love with that place. When the stars are the only things we share, you'd be there'.

Now, if that doesn't win someone round romantically, I don't know what will. Atlas Hands feels beautiful tender and heartfelt - so often singer-songwriters go big on the bluster and big, dumb cliches to hammer their message home, Leftwich just leans back and lets his honest feelings do the talking.

Shine is released on the 7th November.

Benjamin Francis Leftwich - Shine by Dirty Hit