LIKE HEDBEN Bridge, Lewes has a fertile creative scene. From here springs Bess Atwell. Just 24, her debut album is both accomplished and mature.

The product of a complicated upbringing, Atwell has done what artists have always done, and channelled those feelings into something that is more universal.

Her voice is both gentle and beguiling, always playing second fiddle to the carefully crafted lyrics.

The influence of Bon Iver is the most noticeable, but the record is more striking for not sounding derivative. Jesse is easily the best track here, a memorable and enigmatic song of self-discovery prompted by her first boyfriend.

Resolution is the most obviously autobiographical number and will strike a chord for anyone who has a distant or complicated relationship with their father.

Lewes, presumably, also provides the backdrop for Cobbled Streets, a lilting plaintive song that turns away from the bright lights and other distractions.

It is always heartening to welcome a strong new voice on the folk scene and Atwell looks set to pick up where the likes of Bill Jones left off.