Martha Hill has cemented her reputation as one of the finest artists working in the north-east today with this, her superb debut album. Her pointed and often bruised lyrical concerns – that take in many different kinds of loss and longing – are sung above a rhythmically melodic backdrop that fans of artists such as Cate Le Bon and Fiona Apple will love. Hill plays everything herself apart from some lovely cello from Ceitidh Mac (whose presence always denotes quality). A truly fantastic release. (Note: Martha Hill is playing The Grove in Newcastle on 9 November – should be one of the gigs of the autumn.) DP

Released 18 October, self release