Imogen Heap - 'Ellipse' (Sony) Released 24/08/09

Imogen Heap’s new album, Ellipse, is an atmospheric display of what can be achieved with dedicated intricacy in self-production. The ‘first download diva’ has clearly put plenty of soul into this record, maintaining her huge online profile and keeping her hundreds of thousands of out-and-out fans, happily content.

The initial feel of the music washes over you with a slightly odd mix of African tribal tunes and Enya-like vocals. If you can begin to grasp that, then you might be able to imagine just what an eclectic mix of style Imogen is capable of producing.

As I’ve said already, the production standard is staggeringly high (perhaps a reason why she has recently teamed up to assist Mika with a song on his new album – make of that what you will). At some points, it can seem a little too much, as layer upon layer continues to build and bits of music are consequently lost. You are occasionally left wondering how decent the vocals would sound if you took away the numerous effects streaming through them. The answer… is pretty damn good.

‘Wait it out’ consists of beautifully clean vocals, delicate piano and twists of electro. She’s clearly conscious of her own lyrical attributes evidenced by following the line ‘time heals everything’ with a subtle mention of ‘typical clichés’. For me though, the vocals were the biggest let down. Although pitch-perfect, too many female singers are leaning on the ‘London accent crutch’ these days, and I personally think it distracts listeners from the pure talent of a voice. Although Imogen has been around for a great deal longer than your Lilly Allen’s and Kate Nash’s, its an easy association to make.

I mostly found myself eating up the instrumental break-downs and production. It’s where the talent fluently shines through. ‘Between sheets’ once again has Kate Nash connotations, but far more skill involved. The chilled solemn break down at the end of the song particularly impresses.

The last third of every song was what always seemed to entice deeper listening and appreciation. Coincidently, the last three tracks made ‘Ellipse’, for me. Through spotless instrumental additions, ‘The Fire’, ‘Canvas’ and ‘Half life’ brought in a refreshing simplicity to the album, without losing the underlying brilliance of production.

It’s contemporary and comparable, but has an edge that most female singer-song writers are missing. My advice is to give it a good listen. To throw in a ‘typical cliché’; there’s something for everyone.