THE latest album from Canadian singer-songwriter is a fascinating piece, with plenty to shout about. Al Spx’s vocals are breathy and deep, veering in style between Adele, Morcheeba’s Skye Edwards, and Alison Goldfrapp.

Always deliberate, with none of the wavering notes so popular in today’s charts, it’s a refreshing change and helps her stand out among more easily pigeonholed artists. As for the music itself, it’s an interesting mix. From time to time, like in the brilliant Old Knives, there are elements of jazzy brass, which wouldn’t be out of place in a 1960s John Barry score.

Elsewhere, as in A Quiet Chill, there are simple, economical bass-lines which build gradually alongside the vocals, as drums become more frantic and noticeable towards a chorus filled with echo on Spx’s vocals to create an eerie effect, and latest single Absisto is a slow burner, with ominous sounds made by practically unidentifiable instruments, alongside finely picked guitars and keys. A strong second effort from Cold Specks, marking her out as an act to keep an eye on.