Released: 05/09

Hot on the heels of Laura Marling and Noah & The Whale, the debut album from one-woman band Alessi’s Ark seeks to continue the revival in folk music currently in vogue (dubbed the ‘nu-folk’ scene) albeit in a lighter and airier manner than her peers. In fact, this record is perfect for the burgeoning summer creeping in from the horizon: there is an overlying ethereally pink candyfloss quality to all the songs, spun together by Alessi’s pretty, oddly enunciated vocals. Think The Thrills meets Bjork meets an eighteen-year old who seems to think beyond her years.

Most songs are kept short and snappy – almost half of the album consists of tracks checking in at under three minutes long – which compliments the fluid and quicksilver feel of the music. Opener Magic Weather sets the tone for what is to follow, with ripples of harp and charmed cellos enticing the listener into its fair snare. Alessi also proves to be a talented and thoughtful lyricist, utilising metaphysical imagery to good effect; “blindfold your brain / feel your way for me,” she breathes in your inner ear.

When she does aim for more lengthy efforts, the songs build up gradually into picturesque films of wonder, particularly noted on the orchestra-laden somnolent splendour of Constellations. Constellations, The Asteroids Collide; the clues to the aural landscapes Alessi creates with her sound are within the track names; this is otherworldly, starry night music, murmuring easily of peace and contemplation. From the jaunty pop of singles The Horse and Over The Hill to the more ponderous meditative explorations of Woman and Hummingbird, the album effortlessly captivates.

www.myspace.com/alessisark

Patrick Cash