North Shields’ Conor Michael has won audiences over with his energetic live shows – featuring him, his guitar and his loop pedal – but his recorded output is about to receive another leg-up with his fantastic new album. ‘Chase The Day’ would nominally be filed under “acoustic pop”, but that doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the sheer quality of melodies on offer here. These songs simply soar and are full of heart, and no little soul, and speak of fortitude and personal growth. Fans of Ed Sheeran et al will lap this up. GM

Out 29 August, self release