Matthew de Zoete is an unlikely bridge between Nick Drake and Tom Petty. He possesses something of the former’s gentle delivery, delicate voice and melancholy subject matter, and something of the latter’s instinct for melodic pop and jangling guitars. Nothing on Bottom of the World will hit you over the head, but it insinuates itself into your brain with repeated listens, eventually becoming a modest, charming gem. There are distinctive themes, too: “Pictures on the Wall” takes a hard look at our inevitable mortality; while “Remembrance Day” recognizes the sacrifice of young recruits. And de Zoete has a knack for turning simple phrases such as “Let’s not do this again,” or “Smile, ’cause we’re all passing on,” into memorable hooks. Subtle but captivating.