Imelda May releases her new album, 11 Past the Hour, via Decca Records. Born and raised in The Liberties area of Dublin, May was discovered by Jools Holland, who asked her to go on tour with him. May has gone on to perform duets with artists including U2, Lou Reed, Sinead O Connor, Robert Plant, Van Morrison, Jack Savoretti and Elvis Costello and has featured on recent albums and live tours with Jeff Beck, Jeff Goldblum and Ronnie Wood...

It's hard not to fall in love with the voice of Imelda May. Her vocals have a throwback vibe of the jazz and swing style of Billie Holiday. It's more rock 'n' roll than her blues based Life, Love, Flesh, Blood (2017) but no less impressive.

The album wonderfully showcases May's ability to belt out a heavy rock piece ('What We Did in the Dark') just as easily as she can a beautiful ballad ('Don't Let Me Stand on My Own'). And, was it my imagination, or did she reference John Carpenter's theme for Halloween in the opening of 'Breathe'?

All of the 11 songs (38 min, 09 sec) could be singles in their own right and depending on your mood there's something her for all occasions. If I had to pick a favourite, it's hard to beat the slow and moving 'Don't Let Me Stand on My Own'.

A gloriously fresh and feel good album.

9

Nick Smithson