Nina Nesbitt - Mountain Music 
Release Date: Out Now
I heard Nina Nesbitt on BBC Radio 2 the other day, on the breakfast show I think, and I genuinely had a little moment of pride at hearing an artist that I've been championing for so long finally getting the national recognition she deserves. Not content with that, Nesbitt has a whole new album out as well so let's dive in to 'Mountain Music', shall we? The album opens with 'Pages' and instantly we're transferred into a world of acoustic melodies, powerfully delivered vocals and the kind of song structure that builds steadily into a striding track before fading away. Former single 'I'm Coming Home' still has an urgent but warm vibe which is triumphant while 'Mansion' does that dreamy, wistful thing that transports you to a rainy afternoon with nothing better to do than stare out into the grey.
'On the Run' is about as intimate as you can get as Nesbitt's voice drops to near whispered levels accompanied by the kind of acoustic strum that must have been recorded in the darkest part of night, such is its understated and delicate nature. The lazily but purposefully played piano of 'Painkiller' has Joni Mitchell vibes while 'Anger' (the aforementioned single I heard on the radio) is more energetic and strident with a driving beat matching the ferocity of the emotion behind the lyrics. 'Alchemise' is the voice of an almost broken woman hanging onto the last vestiges of purpose but 'Big Things, Small Town' is far more upbeat with a Sandi Thom meets KT Tunstall bounce to it.
The final third of the album starts with 'Treachery' which shows off how sweet and snowdrop-like Nesbitt's voice is when the mood calls for it. 'Hard Times' brings the tears to your eyes and lump to your throat as it wraps an arm around you and pulls you in close with a Stevie Nicks warmth to soothe your soul. Penultimate track 'What Will Make Me Great' has a vocal production that picks up every nuance and lip-smack that gives the impression of having the Scottish singer-songwriter inside your head and, well, it's not an unpleasant feeling. The album closes out with 'Parachute', soaring off over stunning Scottish landscapes with a real sense of freedom and a voice that could grace any radio station this world has to offer. I used to sign off this kind of review by urging more people to get involved with Nina Nesbitt but it seems that is already happening so I'll just say that this is beautiful album and any success is richly deserved.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/NinaNesbitt
OCTOBER
16th - London, Scala
17th - Manchester, Academy 3
18th - Glasgow, Old Fruitmarket