LAURA VEIRS

Found Light (Bella Union)

There’s a definite clarity to Found Light that has, maybe at times, been lacking in Laura Veirs’ previous releases over the past 20+ years. But it’s easy to read a bit too much into the fact that this is the first album Veirs has made since separating from her long-term creative and romantic partner: Eucalyptus has a very Fiona Apple feel to its ‘who needs you now’ message.

And the woodwind on tracks such as Naked Hymn; the sparse production from Shahazad Ismaily and Veirs herself; the delicate approach to nearly all these 14 tracks, all give the impression that the artist is more comfortable in her own musical skin now than ever.

In fact, it’s not until closer Winter Windows that the guitars get plugged in and Veirs’ more playful side comes out. But with songs as stunning as the bluegrass-ish Can’t Help But Sing, this is no bad thing.

words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES