Laura Jean - Laura Jean (2014)

Melbourne folk auteur Laura Jean returns with a new self-titled record, her most intimate and affecting album yet. Laura Jean follows on from 2011's "A Fool Who'll", her acclaimed excursion into rock dynamics (described by Rolling Stone as "an uncompromising triumph"). For the new album, Laura traveled to the UK and recorded with producer John Parish, renowned for his career-spanning collaborations with PJ Harvey, as well as his work with Goldfrapp, M Ward and many others. The album was recorded at Toybox Studios in Bristol. Laura Jean alternates between startlingly honest portraits of domestic life, and more allegorical tales of a dream world. The tone is sparse and delicate, only occasionally breaking out into full-bodied arrangements such as June and Don't Marry the One You Love. But what at first seems beguilingly gentle pulls you deeper and deeper with every listen. The album features backing vocals throughout from rising Norwegian performer Jenny Hval, with whom Laura has toured Australia and Europe. Laura also sings a duet with John Parish on Prince Of Kites to close the album.