Marketa Irglova

Anar Plateau/Anti ***

With a broad array of recording and live experience, not forgetting the small matter of an Oscar to her name, Marketa Irglova fuses soul and MOR ballads on her debut solo album with engaging results. Any preconceptions of Anar, shaded by Irglova's common, if unfair, portrayal as quiet muse to Glen Hansard's mentor in The Swell Season, will be quickly dashed by the confidence and solid songwriting chops the Czech musician displays. There is a timeless quality to her wistful voice that perfectly captures the heartfelt emotions in her plaintive love songs. Whether it's the grief from a faltering relationship ( Crossroads), the promise of a fledgling romance ( Now You Know) or the yearning for an unrequited love ( Wings of Desire), the piano-led numbers convey Irglova's strong grasp of her art and an emotional intelligence well beyond her years. See marketairglova music.com

Download tracks: Go Back, Let Me Fall in Love