Kathryn Williams - Crown Electric

The title of Liverpool-born, Newcastle-based Williams’ latest album is inspired by Elvis Presley. Elvis “drove trucks for Crown Electric before he was The King” she sings on the sublime ‘Gave It Away’. It’s just one of many highlights on this gorgeous album from the one-time Mercury Prize nominee, who blends traditional English folk with the indie pop of The Smiths and Prefab Sprout.

There’s a lovely melancholy quality to her Northern English tones and the production by Niall McColl is perfectly in tune with the music. Guests include Ed Harcourt, playing piano as well as lending his voice, and James Yorkston, who sings. Highlights include the charming ‘Underground’ with its Beatles-esque melody, the haunting ‘Picture Book’ and ‘Monday Morning’, which veers towards psyche pop. With a soaring string and brass arrangement, ‘Tequila’ recalls the pastoral wistfulness of Nick Drake. An instantly compelling album.