Sophie Madeleine - The Rhythm You Started
Sophie Madeleine has followed up her 2009 debut LOVE. LIFE. UKULELE. with The Rhythm You Started.
We took a look at her debut last week, and it's fair to say Madeleine goes further in realising her potential with this second effort.
Like her debut, The Rhythm You Started is carried by beautiful, soaring vocals and harmonies.
However, whilst LOVE. LIFE. UKULELE felt a lot more stripped down (largely featuring just a ukulele or guitar backing Sophie Madeleine's voice), this album sees warmer production and some percussion to give the tracks something extra.
That said, tracks like 'The Song To Fall In Love To' are wonderful in their simplicity, carrying a nice lyrical theme.
Whilst the percussion adds to the overall sound of Sophie Madeleine's music, her second effort sometimes lacks the very grassroots feel of her debut.
This is a very minor gripe, as her vocals and talent as a songwriter make this another very special album.
It's contemporary folk with brilliant pop sensibilities from a very talented writer, singer and instrumentalist, and a welcome contrast to the sometimes dark sounds of Laura Marling.
Ending with the beautiful 'Hypothetically Yours', The Rhythm You Started should continue the rise of Laura Madeleine.
Improving on what was a fantastic debut, this follow-up is a consistent, up-beat and warm album that is sure to be a success.
Female First - Alistair McGeorge