Dear Frustrated Superstar is the debut album from young, London-based Nerina Pallot. It’s an easygoing collection of vocal-led pop songs, whose overall mood is uplifting and positive.

Most of the songs are well crafted, hip-swaying, singalong numbers with memorable, radio-friendly choruses. With her clear, strong, tuneful voice, Pallot channels calmness and serenity, expansiveness and yearning, accompanied by her own piano-playing as well as strings, electric and acoustic guitar and some dance beats.

Pallot’s obviously been listening to classic pop and folk for years, and has learned her songwriting skills from meisters like The Beatles and Joni

Mitchell. ‘If I Know You’ is truly inspired, marrying a powerful bassline with cello and passionate Kate Bush-style vocals; similarly ‘Daily Bread’, with its elements of jazz and funk and a beautiful sentiment about love being the essence of life; ‘Rainbow’ reminds me of classic Fleetwood Mac, and uses echo on the vocals to transporting effect.

While some tracks fall a bit flat, the promise is here of great things to come. Take notice.

Adrienne Murphy 8