Caterpillar Sarabande Happy Hazard  ***

As is so often the case with domestic releases, Vyvienne Long's debut album has been some time in the works. Long is best known as a former member of Damien Rice's band, and her musical apprenticeship also included spells in orchestras and chamber music ensembles. A similar mix of sounds and styles informs the cello-playing singer's debut album, and helps to elevate it from mere whimsical curio to something with surprising weight and impact. Long's voice may be a little light and floaty on occasions, but the musical muscle that underpins her moves comes from a completely different bodyzone. There's a robust swing and a sweet infectiousness to tracks such as Freaksceneand Bad Move, with Long happily unwilling to play along with the strung-out singer-songwriter stereotype.

A fine start to what should be a lenghty solo innings. See vyviennelong.com JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Freakscene, Bad Move