SOUND JUDGEMENT

The latest album releases reviewed

HEART-SHAPED SCARS Dot Allison HHHHI

Heart-Shaped Scars is another exquisite left turn for Allison – a sparse and moody folk opus full of intimate lyrics and hushed vocals.

Recorded in her hometown of Edinburgh, Allison recruited Mercury Prize-nominee Hannah Peel to add strings to four songs, courtesy of a quintet of Scottish folk musicians.

Heart-Shaped Scars suggests that in her previous work, Allison may have spread herself too thin.

In concentrating all her efforts on creating a uniform sound, she has created something very special indeed.

REVERIE Ben Platt HHHHI

Ben Platt may be best known for his extensive career in musical theatre, but he continues to carve out a distinctive space for himself with his second studio album.

His technical abilities as a singer are undeniable and in Reverie he shows off his impressive vocal range with falsetto tones and belting notes – perhaps not surprising for a Tony, Emmy and Grammy award winner, a rare feat for a 27-year-old.

The album would not go amiss in accompanying a musical, with emotive lyrics and an enticing variation in musical style.

It is evident Platt is a storyteller - and Reverie is a very exciting journey he takes you on.

LOVING IN STEREO Jungle HHHII

Jungle fans are sure to enjoy Loving In Stereo, the third studio album by the London-based group, which shows the band’s desire to experiment with more genre variations while still keeping their distinct tropical, funk-pop sound.

Both earlier albums treated us to a fresh and delicious vibe, combining electronic, funk, soul and pop. LIS gives us more of the same.

Where previous offerings have been more “sit-up, listen, and boogie down”, some may find LIS more of a “sit-back and listen while nodding your head in appreciation”.