Astrid Williamson: Here Come the Vikings

Coming at us from the wilds of Shetland via Brighton, Astrid Williamson has swung between indie kid and folkie for three albums now and this fantastically titled offering shows how effortlessly she can waft between effervescent guitar stomps and swooning balladry as the fancy takes her.

The Natalie Merchant-fronts-Snow Patrol template is a fine one for her to follow as her songwriting skills continue to grow. ‘Sing the Body Electric’ is a simple crystalline pop song, while ‘Crashing Minis’ and ‘The Stars are Beautiful’ are both dreamy joys.

(One Little Indian)