This week's Rock/Pop CDs reviewed

ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS
The Crying Light Rough Trade****

It's hard to find fault with anything Antony Hegarty does; if the man released a collection of phone-book recitations, he'd probably get away with it because of that remarkable voice. An amalgam of an oscillating trill and a shuddering warble, it's used to stunning effect on his third and best album yet. Avant-garde composer Nico Muhly lends his simple, understated string arrangements to these sometimes unbearably tender tales of personal and social isolation; and though the bulk is composed of simplistic piano ballads, these are buoyed by an almost unclassifiable magic that's dark, cinematic, and occasionally – as heard on Kiss My Name– even guitar pop-oriented. Romantic, fantastical and goosebump-inducingly special. www.antonyandthejohnsons.com

Download tracks: Daylight and the Sun, Aeon

AUTUMN OWLS
On the trail of the Disappearing Self-Released***

It isthe quiet ones you have to look out for. Dublin's Autumn Owls might not give a hoot (ouch!) for the basic art of hype-driven self- promotion, but if they continue to release mini-albums as good as this, they won't need PR. The follow-up to their debut EP, Insomnia Lodge, On the Trail of the Disappearingis a statement of strong intent: the five songs might rely on side orders of Whipping Boy and Echo the Bunnymen, but the main course is irrefutably their own work. Songs such as A Thousand Blind Windows, Raindrops in the Riverand Childhood Slideshowfuse tension with subtlety; there is a rock vibe but it's tempered with smart, not-too complicated arrangements that belie the band's age and experience. You haven't heard of them until now? That'll change this year. www.myspace.com/autumnowls

Download tracks: A Thousand Blind Windows, Childhood Slideshow

JOHN FRUSCIANTE
The Empyrean Record Collection**

Although he made his name as axe-wielder with punk-funksters Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Frusciante has actually been releasing his own material for 15 years. Decidedly dissimilar from his day-job music, his solo forays are typically experimental affairs. The Empyrean, his 10th album, is a case in point. Guest appearances from the ubiquitous Johnny Marr and a Tim Buckley cover fail to augment this erratic collection, however. A concept album that touches on spiritualism, it's a flimsy record that darts from slinky, midtempo rock to ponderous cod-gospel without making any real impression – or exhibiting the guitarist's obvious skill. It might be named for the purported "highest point of Heaven", but it still only manages to get off the ground for a few focused moments. www.myspace.com/ johnfrusciantemusic

Download tracks: Unreachable, Central