Although his name will be unfamiliar to most, Francis Neve is no newcomer to music. The Essex born musician began writing songs at the age of 12, before forming his first band, Next of Six, at 16. After that came a stint in The Last, an indie group including Florence and the Machine's Chris Hayden, and now we have The Second Time We First Met, Neve's first solo offering. 

In the least offensive way possible, The Second Time We First Met is the type of music you want to fall asleep to. The seven track mini-album has a dreamy quality that makes it soothing even when strange, and the overall feeling is one of calm and control, despite dealing with issues including the excitement of a new relationship and the pain of its ending. 

Indeed, the 'story' of the album is the making and breaking of a relationship, starting with Brian's Drying Up, which introduces the protagonist of the bittersweet tale. It's a great opener, immediately displaying the simultaneous sense of drama and fragility that underpins the whole album. Although the lyrics are slightly nonsensical, it's musically very appealing, with mellow guitars and a syncopated drum beat giving a funky, laidback feel.

Next up is Come Near, which captures the nervous optimism of a burgeoning relationship through its urgent bass line and catchy melody. Invisible Robes is a more reflective track, with lyrics that ponder the lovers' future: 'Will you be mind games?/Will I be humdrum?'. 

Throughout the album there are a number of musical genres at play, with folk, indie and electronic influences all mingling serenely together. I Won't Make You Better takes a more bluesy turn, with gentle tribal chants and a radio-friendly guitar hook. Winterbury, on the other hand, is a quiet, introspective duet, with vocals from Lucy Randell adding a female touch to the fast dwindling love story.

The album finishes with You Must Be Somewhere, a melancholy, almost haunting track, complete with whispered threats: 'Make no mistake, I'll get you back/ Make no mistake, I'll freak you out'. Looks like this relationship didn't end too amicably.

Understatement is key to The Second Time We First Met. It's got everything you need: great melodies, meaningful lyrics, skilful production and subtle experimentation. However, the fact is doesn't come up and smack you in the face with these qualities may lead some to dismiss the album as dull - a mistake, because this is a calming, compelling and ultimately promising album from a talented solo artist.