Nice album title, and Alana comes endorsed by Whispering Bob Harris,

Now in his Whistle Test days, you could have anticipated some quality rock. But Bob gets his jollies these days on the country and folk circuit. And that's not a bad place to find some major talent.

Recorded in a 100 year old church in Kelwood, in the Canadian province of Manitoba and Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, Lions & Werewolves is Alana's tricky second album, produced by British producer Ken Nelson (Badly Drawn Boy, Snow Patrol, Polly Paulusma and Paolo Nutini).

Her debut Unsettled Down was released in 2006 and it received low key, but widespread critical acclaim. Since that time she's been co-writing with leading country and roots American artists. And she chose to work with Ken with the specific aim of adding a more mainstream feel to her own particular brand of folk and country roots.

And it works a treat. Lions and Werewolves is a mature piece of work that grows with each listen. Packed with great songs in the tradition of classic singer songwriter's like Joni Mitchell, and some lovely hooks, it's probably best compared to some of the best output of say, Maria McKee. Now that's impressive company.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley