Tribes frontman and film composer Johnny Lloyd is back with his first solo material in over three years. Punchline is produced by musician and producer Max Clilverd (who has previously worked with Tom Odell, Holly Humberstone and earlier Johnny Lloyd albums). It’s a record with pared-back arrangements designed to illuminate songs rich in eternal themes of love, loss and letting go...

On this, Johnny Lloyd's fourth solo studio album, the 10 tracks (34 min, 11 sec) represent a laid-back, stripped-back, folk esthetic which doesn't disappoint. There are more than a handful of earworms on display from the opening 'Roller King' to the '90s indie pop-esque 'Manchester In Bloom' to the Lou Reed/John Cale vibe of 'Personality Disorder'.

From track to track we never know what to expect. One moment there's a bit of jazz mixed in with indie-pop, the next moment we're treated to a bit of modern country.

Discussing the album, Lloyd says: "If there was one album I've made to showcase my music I would want it to be this one. I started writing the album at the end of 2022 when the world was still transitioning out of the pandemic and I feel like that feeling is present in the music. I pushed as hard as I could creatively to go places I haven't previously been… I am very grateful for the amazing musicians who played on this album and to Max Clilverd for bringing it together."

I lovingly produced album that doesn't disappoint.

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Nick Smithson