A few things you ought to know about Charles Douglas. He's a 28 year-old singer songwriter in the tradition of Jonathan Richman, Daniel Johnston and Jim O'Rourke. He's recorded four solo albums; one of these featured an ode to drowned Beach Boy 'Dennis Wilson' and a homage to 'Prince' ("he played guitar like you wouldn't believe/ and he had more hits than Lionel Richie"); another was produced by Velvet Underground legend Moe Tucker, who also provided drums; and the latest was recorded by Sonic Youth sound-guru Wharton Tiers and features the unmistakable riffmanship of The Pixies' Joey Santiago. This is Charles Douglas - madman (possibly), maverick (certainly) and melodic visionary (undoubtedly). Statecraft is his most accomplished album to date; a riot of punk-pop hooks (check blistering opener 'Free At Last' and the Fall-esque title track), white-funk rhythms (the infectious 'Splitting The Atom') and kooky surrealism ('The Rabbit Never Gets The Carrot'). All this and Santiago's finest fret contortions since The Pixies' Trompe Le Monde. Statecraft is the perfect introduction to the heart, soul and sporadic hysteria of alternative America's best kept secret - Charles Douglas.