Lisa Hannigan - Sea Sew

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Layers to explore

When your talent is linked for a long time in people's heads to someone else's, thinking about the comparisons and expectations when you go it alone could be all-consuming all too easily. But if Hannigan's having any sleepless nights they should be from excitement, not worry. Her solo debut is one of those records that will nestle in between other prides of place in people's collections and may even find a home with the toughest of audiences: those for whom albums are an occasional thing.

Keeping the volume low throughout, Hannigan moves through moods and experiences - often referencing the sea - to create a sound that is laid back but never background. Much is added to the arrangements by her use of cello and violin and the feeling that there are layers to explore grows with the time spent.

There are happy songs, sad songs and broody songs, and the most thrilling thing on any of them is her voice. From the chorus of opener 'Ocean and a Rock' to how she soars on closing ballad 'Lille', she excels on every line - so much so that you'd love to hear 'Sea Sew' a cappella. You'll sing along a lot of the time yourself - it's that kind of pleasure.

Harry Guerin

Tracklisting: Ocean and a Rock - Venn Diagram - Sea Song - Splashy Spalshy - I Don't Know - Keep It All - Courting Blues - Pistachio - Teeth - Lille