Jessie Ware | Tough Love

Jessie Ware escapes the second-album slump with a masterclass in the no-chorus technique: new lead single Tough Love channels the slow-burning groove of Running, with smooth, bruised vocals backed by drum machine stutters and gentle synths reminiscent of Prince's 1983 hit Little Red Corvette. I'm sure he's on the phone to her as we speak, whether it's for a duet or a lawsuit - time will tell. Hear the similarity:

Disclaimer: the thunder in the video isn't included on the studio version - clearly the directors, BRTHR, were inspired by the clip for First Aid Kit's My Silver Lining, which uses the same trick. TL is definitely a grower, so it remains to be seen whether or not it will be a hit. Buy it on 3rd August.

First Aid Kit | My Silver Lining

First Aid Kit last featured on this blog back in 2012, and admittedly I kind of forgot the band existed until they swung back onto the scene with My Silver Lining. Best described as Dolly Parton wagoning down the French Riviera, the sisters from Sweden add a new dimension to their country-pop leanings with the inclusion of lush, filmic strings. It looks odd on paper, but MSL is deceptively catchy and the mix has paid off - their latest (and 3rd) album Stay Gold made it to #11 on the UK charts last month. Prepare to be hooked:

First Aid Kit | Emmylou

Channelling the tight-knit harmonies of The Pierces and the wistfulness of a more mature Taylor Swift, up-and-coming folk sister act First Aid Kit are, shockingly, not from the American West but from Sweden. However, the video for their new single Emmylou (yes, Harris) does in fact hail from the deserts of California; a clip that ties in nicely with the country stylings of the track.

Johanna and Karla Söderberg (had I mentioned their names earlier the Scandi link would have been less scandalous) follow Katy Perry's lead with a reference to June and Johnny Cash, music's golden oldies du jour. Unlike The One That Got Away, the duo manage to balance out the twee with enough quirk to work - think Amy MacDonald's This Is Your Life crossed with yet another one of Bat For Lashes's dreams. As they trailer their second album The Lion's Roar, the two-piece asks: "just sing, little darling, sing with me". It shouldn't be long before the likes of Radio 2 will be taking them up on their offer.