This isn't actually Cerys Matthews' comeback single, although it's certainly her most heavily-promoted, making it appear as such. After relocating to Nashville to start a family, Matthews adopted an acoustic style with hints of the folky and the country-esque but with its heart still very much in the indie scene. Open Roads, from her second solo album, has an endearingly intimate feel which makes its bittersweet lyrical content - backed by string flourishes and wistful guitar strummings - all the more affecting. Fans of Catatonia may come away nonplussed, but it's clear that Matthews has both the voice and the charisma to justify going solo.

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Released : 31st July 2006 (download), 7th August 2006 (CD/7")
Label: Rough Trade