Australian Melanie Horsnell is an emerging folk/pop singer/songwriter who is gathering an increasing level of public support at home through her intimate live performances. This album is good enough to raise her profile even further, and perhaps even find her an overseas audience.

Birds opens this enchanting album with the sound of birds chirping, and the first taste of Horsnell’s sweet, high octave voice. Stacked with melody, good lyrics and a distinctive instrumental arrangement, I was more than impressed. Next track, Kiss You Again is a beautiful, quirky love song with delightful instrumental arrangement (including wonderful brass passages), and a vocal that exploits Horsnell’s capabilities more fully. She’s a fine, understated performer who writes personal songs which will resonate with many people.

Sometimes is a highlight with its somewhat darker vibe, and a voice that travels the scale, expressively, movingly and beautifully. Whichever way you turn on this album, subtle acoustic guitar chords and strong melody are never far away. I Just Want Some Love has a strong retro Beatles flavour with more dominant keyboards, and another superb vocal performance which soars to unheard-of heights. That simple guitar returns for the mesmerising Deep Blue Sea, before the soft country vibe of the gently undulating But You.

A strong Beatles flavour returns with Pink High Heels (sounding a little like When I Am 64) before the album closes with the highly original title track. This is a lovely album by a bright young talent who I will be watching with interest.

4/5