ORACULAR rock'n'roll is Ritter’s rather pompous term for his wordy music. Yet, here torrents of words meet melodies and sympathetic arrangements for a surging, uplifting album.

Over nearly 20 years, Ritter has quietly been developing a devoutly loyal fanbase, drawn to his literate and candid songs. Sermon On The Rocks sounds like a statement of intent, with Birds Of The Meadow kicking off proceedings in stylish fashion. It swings along with gusto, and the storytelling is top notch throughout.

Where The Night Goes is especially memorable. While other wordsmiths such as Lou Reed can come across as hectoring, Ritter manages to serve the songs rather than his literary ambitions. While Ritter is, like so many before him, compared to Bob Dylan, and while this comparison is a mixed blessing, it does give the unfamiliar listener a reference point.

If the messianic tendencies and references can pall over the long haul, this provides a beacon of light for anyone who despairs of the dumbing down in rock music. No hint of the Foos to be found here.