Nick Mulvey returns with an uplifting, Mexican folk-style tale of unrestricted feeling in new single ‘Unconditional’. It’s the first release since his Mercury Prize-nominated album, First Mind, back in 2014 and comes with the news that a second album will be announced imminently, plus a trio of shows in Oxford, Bristol and London. To go along with the track, we have an epic storyline directed by Bastian Glaessner, which depicts the various ups and downs of a codependent relationship. Throughout ‘Unconditional’, sun-soaked acoustic strings, a plethora of shuffling, interlocking percussion, rising mariachi trumpets and enchanting backing vocals creates a blissful aesthetic. At many points it contrasts with the desperate situation that often befalls the two protagonists, and yet the key might be found in Mulvey’s endearingly untampered lyrics, “uncontrollable, how could I resist?” For fans of the last album, you’ll recognise ‘Unconditional’ as retaining that distinct Mulvey sound, with just enough updates to draw in those new listeners. - HT