NEW RELEASES: Holly Henderson - "The Walls"

This Maidstone-born singer-songwriter’s second album exudes the essence of progressive folk and feels very rural; a contrast to her rockier, LA-recorded debut. It’s chiefly introspective, gazing out of the window, quietly musing over solitude and hope, home and escape, yet it has an attractive tendency to glide into intriguing areas, whether that be via hooky melodies or spells of analogue synth tinkering. The atmospheres here shift charmingly between Nick Drake, Beth Orton and a playful, optimistic ambience of Henderson’s own.

Back After Sunrise brings us in with a 70s-tinged lilt, its relaxed Colin Blunstone swing humming warmly before the crisper Druxy offers a more brittle air of craving, with guitar breaks suggesting a cheekier Steve Howe. 

This unflashy confidence sustains through the bittersweet Head Full Of Soil, where her voice glitters with life, and the melancholy title track, redolent of a less nihilistic Nico. 

Six-minute centerpiece Weep Like A Willow takes its time, accumulating drama with exquisite patience, while The Planes is the (relatively) perky psych-pop single.

An alluring album; one wants to hear what she does next.