Nothing watered down

Lisa Hannigan first came to prominence providing vocals on Damien Rice’s huge selling O album. Since then she has carved out a successful solo career as befits someone possessed of a great voice and songwriting skills.

Her debut solo album Sea Sew earned her Mercury Music Prize nomination and that was followed by the commercially successful Passenger in 2011.

Now her third album is here and it’s her best yet. If previously her work could flirt dangerously with tweedom, her new songs are darker and more muscular.

Produced by Aaron Dessner of The National after he e-mailed her out of the blue with a suggestion that they work together, the collaboration has resulted in a splen- did album.

A change in personal circumstances had affected her songwriting muse, but Dessner’s intervention changed that.

After exchanging ideas via e-mail the pair finally met up in Denmark, before recording the album in a church in Hudson, New York.

Dessner seems to have drawn out a grittier side to Hannigan’s songwriting and lyrically and musically her indie folkexerts a powerful effect on the listener.

Tracks such as Prayer For The Dying sees Hannigan take an unflinching look at the harsh realities of life (and death).

Her soaring voice can uplift even the gloomiest lyric, and added to the stately piano-playing conjures up an atmosphere of glorious gloom. To be in with a chance of winning this album answer this question. Where was Hannigan born? Entries to, Lisa, Nigel Thornton, Peterborough Telegraph, Unex House - Suite B,Bourges Boulevard, Peterborough, PE1 1NG by August 26.

Lisa Hannigan