Sounding like a cross between Julie "Twin Peaks" Cruise, Fleetwood Mac's Stevie Nicks and a hint of Suzanne Vega, Shelly Poole's voice is soulful and silky smooth, and luckily she's written herself a bunch of songs that allow it its full range.

Country folk, chilled jazz or rural jazz are but three genre-crossover labels that have been applied to Poole's work. All fit the bill; add haunting ballads laced with edge and you're almost there, especially on the title track of this remarkably affecting album.

Previously one half of Alicia's Attic with sister Karen, Poole is no stranger to quirky off-beat pop songs and this album has its share, notably Lose Yourself. Elsewhere she dips into bluesy soul, as on Totally Underwater, while the standout moment is the album's hypnotic title track.

Having worked on writing collaborations with female pop icons ranging from Janet Jackson through to Jamelia it's good to hear Poole doing it for herself, and with considerable style.

Rating:
Released: 5th September 2005
Label: Transistor Project