This 2014 release from David Gray is the 10th album from the acclaimed Irish singer/songwriter. Indeed, some 21 years since his first studio album, Mutineers finds Gray steering into unfamiliar territory while cultivating a pugnacious, but respectful relationship with his own history.

Indeed, it feels like the only certainty that Gray had at the commencement of his new recording was the need to surprise himself; not just in terms of how he worked, but the ideas that drove him and the people he worked with.

As soon as the first song opens Gray's distinctive vocal sound ebbs powerfully instantly through. Especially as the opening track 'Back In The world' is basically telling us yes, I'm back, bitches! Indeed, you either love or hate his vocals, much like that of James Blunt his monotone directness is either loveable, enjoyable, or as far from it as possible! Up next is 'As The Crow Flies,' and that's backed by both the title track 'Mutineers' and the haunting 'Beautiful Agony.'

In a recent interview on NPR, Gray actually revealed that he took the process of this new album through a radical overhaul. He worked backwards from lyrics to music! And I think that truly comes to the fore on 'Last Summer,' a cut that builds and builds until its incredible, orchestral ending. 'Snow In Vegas' is next and is followed by the acoustic guitar work of 'Cake And Eat It,' the repetitive 'Birds Of The High Arctic' and then the piano-infused 'The Incredible.'

This interesting, but nothing new (even given his new approach to recording) comes to a close with both 'Girl Like You' and then 'Gulls.' If anything I have to admit that Mutineers is waaaaaay more upbeat, more fun than any of his previous albums, but they all follow the same well-trodden musical path lyrically; that's all.