The Deep Field Play It Again Sam***

Not alternative enough for the indie world and too weird for the mainstream, Joan Wasser and her soul-fuelled soft rock occupy a strange middle ground. At her most appealing, the Connecticut-raised songstress comes across as an open book of emotions, using her albums to publicly purge past demons. The Deep Fieldfinds Wasser, lyrically, in seductive form. At her worst, Wasser's uncaged feelings prevent the music from creating a distinctive presence – a shame when she has so many talented musicians (including Joseph Arthur, Nathan Larson and Parker Kindred) at her disposal. Chemmieand I Was Everyonebreak free from the down- tempo shackles and build to passionate climaxes, but the likes of Nervousand Run for Lovefail to work up a sweat. See joanaspolicewoman.com

Download tracks: Chemmie, I Was Everyone