Album Review: Leah Flanagan - Saudades

Leah Flanagan's voice and raw, honest lyricism are front and centre on her second full-length album, Saudades.

Pivoting between the summer creek sounds of folk offerings like Two Worlds, high drama blues of A Love Unending and the chirpy, indie melodies of single Chills, Saudades shows off Flanagan's emotional and musical brevity. Her voice also reveals its dexterity: at times silky and feather light, at others dusky and jazz lounge rye.

Damage is a particular high point. Here, Flanagan shows off her control (vocal and emotional) in a teasing, sensual, high tension arrangement against equally restrained, bluesy guitar plucks.