Agnes Obel: Aventine

Influenced as much by Joni Mitchell as Debussy and Satie, Denmark's Agnes Obel wowed audiences at home and abroad with her beautiful 2010 debut, Philharmonics. Its follow-up sees the Berlin-based pianist continue in the same vein of classical and contemporary compositions. The smattering of instrumentals, including ghostly, crystalline opener Chord Left and the brief melancholia of Tokka, are undoubted standouts. But there is ample opportunity for Obel to prove her worth as a vocalist on the measured, string-fortified Run Cried the Crawling and Dorian. The latter is not the only track bearing a resemblance to Natasha Khan of Bat for Lashes' more unembellished fare, but traces of a swarthier Lykke Li and the wistful sigh of Sia linger on Pass Them By. It's perhaps more consistent than impressive, but a strong offering nonetheless. agnesobel.com
Download: Pass Them By, Aventine