Eight years on from Bow Down To The Exit Sign, David Holmes has taken a break from movie work to record “solo” again.

Thematically and structurally, however, The Holy Pictures is a soundtrack in all but name. It's essentially a concept album which, although billed as a 40-minute paean to Holmes' Belfast roots, is steeped at least musically in the New York underground of the 70s. Gone is the swish funk of the Ocean's 11 series to be replaced by reverberating bass and gorgeous, fuzzy tunes. Suicide's Martin Rev co-writes the chiming I Heard Wonders and The Velvet Underground's Sunday Morning hangs heavy over Story Of The Ink. Holmes himself handles most of the vocals, revealing breathy Bobby Gillespie tones, but mournful instrumentals are the heart of a convincing record, particularly the gentle tribute to his parents, The Ballad Of Sarah And Jack.