CONSISTENTLY WORTHWHILE PSYCH-FOLK GEM

A couple of years ago, psych-folk singer Alela Diane won the hearts of European indie kids with her debut The Pirate’s Gospel. While the aforementioned album was admittedly a pretty special piece of work, her follow up To Be Still is far better. Realising that she can’t just rely on her voice alone, her songs are now fleshed out with instruments like cellos and banjos. Album highlight is ‘The Alder Trees’ which tells a tale of women “who weren’t allowed to sing”, and is backed by her unique take on Appalachian music coupled with Missy Elliot-style handclaps. It really has to be heard to be believed.