8/10

After making an initial name for herself by featuring on Gorgon City's top 10 single 'Here For You' last Spring, singer Laura Welsh has spent the last year building up her repertoire and public image in order to release her debut album 'Soft Control'. And while this comes at a time when singer-songwriters are once again dominating the world music scene, Welsh's personality has an instant affinity with the listener, which makes this new full-length more engaging than most.

Featuring the previously unveiled singles 'Ghosts' and 'Break The Fall', 'Soft Control' is one of those beautifully rich releases that aims to not only put Laura's voice at the forefront, but also highlight the diversity within it with the addition of a multi-calibre production. Mixing euphoric anthems with a more sombre writing style, the album allows the frontwoman to use the full range and potential of her voice and the result is a powerful and intriguing release.

While it is still early days for this young vocalist, the quality and energy within this record makes it something that can not be ignored. She has a clear and purposed direction that keeps 'Soft Control' ever on the up and has manage to deliver one of the best British albums of the year so far.