If “Biscuits for Breakfast,” Fink’s debut album for Ninja Tune, traded, at least in part, on a seismic musical shift for both artist and label, then “Distance and Time” raises the game for both parties. This latest album is the result of a frenetic live schedule over the past year - Fink, together with bassist Guy Whittaker and drummer Tim Thornton, having played dozens of festivals, over a hundred shows, and even a Zero 7 support tour.

On this record Fink handed over production to Lamb’s Andy Barlow, and the resultant album is noticeably bigger, and more sophisticated, than its predecessor. Boldly, “Distance and Time” starts not with a bang, but the whispered introduction of “Trouble’s What You’re In,” so slight that you fear for its own safety.

“There are no samples, and we’ve kept the electronic trickery to a minimum on this record,” explains Fink. “I think that the songs have enough gravitas and emotional punch to get through without all of that, and I was very conscious of not being a touchy-feely photocopy of someone from the seventies or whatever. Our experience on the road has been that most Fink fans aren’t the same people who are into James Morrison or Paulo Nutini. Maybe that’s a Ninja Tune thing, or it’s in the songs - but it seems I’m the guitar-based artist you’re allowed to like if you don’t like most of the other stuff out there....”

“This is the Thing,” the second track on the album and lead single, continues the build. The lyrics, dying embers of a failing relationship, are resilient but brittle, delivered with matter-of-fact honesty: “…the things that keep us apart, keep me alive.” Following on from the stripped-back and painfully regretful “If Only,” “Blueberry Pancakes” ups the pace - the rhythm section hammering out the cut, as Fink’s guitar has no choice but to go electric. “I’m not an angry bloke,” Fink explains, “but if I do get angry, I internalise it and I think you can feel that tension in the album. There’s a line on the song ‘Get Your Share’ which sounds almost jovial, but in my head I feel so angry, it’s a little aside that means a lot to me, and would certainly mean a lot to the other person. There is something about a love song which everyone on the planet can relate to, whether they’re in love or out of love, hating love or loving love.”

“Under the Same Stars” and “So Many Roads” both signify greater ambition in Fink’s sound and writing, their meteoric arrangements reminiscent of the best records of the new acoustic movement. On “Make It Good” the paper-thin beats and almost a cappella introduction reflect the fragile sentiment of the song itself - optimistically hoping to put a broken relationship ‘back together, piece by piece.’ The closing minutes of the album are perhaps most telling of Fink’s time on the road, the epic “Little Blue Mailbox” having strayed as far from the DJ booth as can be…

“He stands out from the current faceless singer-songwriters floating around.” -Future Music

“Fink is one serious singer-songwriter. Get a copy of the new album. It promises to be pretty special.” - iDJ

"Confirms Fink's metamorphosis from turntable king into singer/songwriter of note. A sort of John Martyn for the 21st century." - The Sun

“...evoking the finger-picking grooves off JJ Cale and John Martyn to create an intimately stoned, sexy swing that sugars the pill of the intense melancholy.” - Word

“Distance and Time raises the game. The kind of songs only a man with mushrooming confidence could write.” Swell

"What he does do is expertly craft soulful, acoustic gems that racell Zero 7 "jamming" with Nick Drake. Perfect for those increasingly dark nights. Highly recommended." - Zoo

“The tension brewed up by the simple ingredients of acoustic guitar, drums and bass is dizzying and is the perfect foil to Fink’s droll delivery as they weave a hypnotic, captivating spell.” - Clash

“A rounded and accomplished affair...for those autumn evenings that will be upon us soon.” - - - Knowledge

“His strength lies in the subtle uncomplicated honesty of the guitar, the voice, and the song. Fink has managed to hone and master all three.” - DJ

“John Martyn with added digital traces… stunning.”- Uncut

“A funky folk-blues singer in the mould of Jeb Loy Nichols or G Love… it's warm and welcoming.” - Independent

"A brooding power reminiscent of a stripped down Nick Cave. A leftfield
delight." - Observer Music Monthly

"Bluesy laments and brooding soul... deep with emotion and intent." - Q

“(A) Slinky little gem of an album… Fink will be one to watch closely.” - Word

"A sound palette of dub, folk, blues, soul, and beat science. Beautiful." - Metro

“Perfect for feeling cool on a Sunday afternoon.“- Daily Star

“Finks transformation from downtempo act to soulful acoustic musician couldn’t be better timed, in the wake of fellow traveller Jose Gonzaelez Top 10 hit”- Music Week