Bagging the Critics’ Choice Award at this year’s Brits, the 22 year-old Florence Welch said that she felt unworthy of the accolade. Her misgivings were understandable. With only two singles to her name, Welch had a lot to live up to. But this debut album portrays an artist who held her nerve magnificently.

The Narnian interior world on which many of these songs shine a light draws comparisons with Kate Bush and Bat for Lashes. Welch’s only instruments, however, are her voice and imagination. Together, there’s enough in both to draw out empathetic performances from her fellow players: the glissando harp flourishes that adorn the pagan funk of Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up); the febrile night terrors of Blinding; and the sexually-charged indie-rucking of Kiss with a Fist all distinguish themselves from the get-go, buying your forbearance on insidiously dark parables such as Girl With One Eye. Listen to Welch singing: “I’ll cut your little heart out ’cause you made me cry,” and you’ll struggle to recall the last time retribution sounded quite so divine.

(Island Records)

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