Róisín O

The Secret Life of Blue 3ú Records***

Róisín O’s debut album has benefitted from a reasonably long gestation period in which she’s been finding her own voice and honing her songwriting. But how to set herself apart from the screaming hordes? How about writing not just about the challenge of songwriting, but that deeper challenge of finding your own voice? Or entrusting your debut to the hands of producer Dave Odlum and a flinty three-piece band?

When she's in full flight, there's no denying the genetic inheritance of the Black family, but the dark, lyrical undertow of Filled With Snow and her vocal high jinks on You Owe Me A Drink recall Joni Mitchell, while Hold On builds the kind of tension you might find on a Feist track. Despite a weakness for cigarette lighter moments, in the main Róisín O's stall is laden with the detritus that makes life intriguing. A strapping debut. roisino.com

Download tracks:The Secret Life of Blue