Archie the Goldfish is a new project from Graeme Flowers and Chris Bestwick, who first played together over two decades ago. Or perhaps more properly, I should say it's a new-ish project, since a first release, Hidden Depths, was issued at the end of last year. The five tracks on the Water & Light EP have a smooth, funkily soulful sound and so continue the mood of that first release. But this time trumpeter Flowers – who has performed with the likes of Paul Weller, Michael Buble and Gregory Porter, as well as writing and recording music for three Clint Eastwood film soundtracks -and guitarist Bestwick are joined by different collaborators: Kishon Khan on Fender Rhodes, Aidan Thorne on double bass and – crucially – singer Nadia Basurto. The addition of lyrics this time around gives the tracks greater focus but at the same time provides an extra dimension as Basurto's vocals soar and float above variously intricate and propulsive (‘On a Summer's Day’) and coolly laidback (‘Setting Out’) rhythm tracks, offering a counterpoint to Flowers's trumpet parts.

Sharp arrangements combine with nicely sculpted melodies to create some engaging, dreamily memorable tunes.