Runaway Orchestra is the debut album from Sophie Madeleine (going under the name of Runaway Orchestra). The album offers covers of ten classic songs, but gives them a unique folk twist.

Over the course of the album's ten tracks (which has a short running time of 28 min, 58 sec) Runaway Orchestra bring us their own take on The Turtles 1967 hit, ‘Happy Together’, re-worked as a delicate love song, the track flows with lush string arrangements and Madeleine’s warm and inviting voice.

Further highlights on the album include a cover of Wolfman and Pete Doherty’s 2004 indie success ‘For Lovers’, which builds on the original’s melancholy undercurrents whilst injecting a more upbeat and brighter mood with its careful instrumentation. Cher and Sonny’s ‘The Beat Goes On’ is transformed into a gentler number with subtle drum arrangements and interplay between Madeleine’s singing and the lead melody. Also on the album is a memorable cover of Bob Dylan’s ‘If Not For You’, where Madeleine’s voice hypnotises the listener with its subtle pitches and gentle folk melodies.

This is an album to prepare you for the sun - this could be 2013's essential summer album.

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Nick Smithson