Leona Naess - Heavy Like Sunday
[Polydor]

Leona Naess released her last self-titled studio album in 2003 for Geffen, suggesting this New Yorker-turned-Brit isn't the speediest of song writers.

Forget that idea however, as Naess hasn't spent the last five years passing away time and fading into obscurity oh no, in fact she's racked-up a staggering thirteen home-recorded albums, that were quietly self-released without a hint of fanfare. Highlights from these, including this single 'Heavy Like Sunday', will soon surface as the obviously named 'Thirteens' collection.

Much like the records we've come to hear previously from Leona, 'Heavy Like Sunday' is inoffensive, easy on the ears and instantly likeable folksy-pop-rock - it's the kind of track perfect for this time of year, as the lazy-hazy summer days are just around the corner. The opening string-picks and fractured vocal croak fools you into expecting the wonder-folk of Diane Cluck, before the majestic chorus kicks in - gentle drums, hidden piano and a melody not unlike Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Only Living Boy In New York'.

Perhaps that's why Naess is so quick to please - her material is both safe and familiar. Whatever the case though, this is a very under-rated songwriter.