It’s been 7 years since Rose Elinor Dougall released her debut effort, with only two EPs filling the void. In that time it seems she’s shifted and honed her sound into a compelling sophomore effort. Wyndham Wallace reviews…

[Vermillion Records]

With her clearly enunciated vowels and particularly English insouciance, Rose Elinor Dougall has a certain amount in common with Sophie Ellis-Bextor, another graduate from an indie band.

In Dougall’s case, it was The Pipettes, but the Sixties girl group stylings were missing from her 2010 solo debut, and its long-promised follow-up is an even more polished affair that recalls both the sweetness of Strawberry Switchblade and Kirsty MacColl’s work with Johnny Marr on 1989’s Kite.

The upbeat but still wistful Hell And Back is full of inspired production details, while on All At Once she dips her toes in electro waters. With its circular melody and glorious fretwork, though, the breathlessly energetic Colour Of Water transcends them all. Dougall’s future looks suitably rosy.