Lorna

To say that English act Lorna have managed to fly under the radar would be an understatement, as the release of their fourth album has been accompanied by as much fanfare as any of their other three: pretty much none. Yet they've carved out a rather deep niche during the past decade, thanks to their brand of orchestral indie-pop. Headed by married couple Mark Rolfe and Sharon Cohen-Rolfe, whose vocals are very reminiscent of Isobel Campbell, Lorna offer up nicely arranged melancholia times nine on Heart of Wire. Some moments hint at the glory days of the Pastels or Mojave 3, but, alas, without the adventurousness. In fact, it's all very straightforward and while there's no denying that there's loveliness running through the album, it's a bit one-dimensional. The songs come and go without ever declaring themselves then merge into one, which isn't a problem as long as you like that song. If you don't, there's no sense holding your breath because there's no sudden change in mood waiting in the wings.