Last year Gronland Records took on the potential risk of Merz's second album. It paid off, with almost universal praise and they appear to have pulled off the trick again with another talented but unknown quantity in the shape of Sophie Michalitsianos - or Sol Seppy to those who are seeking out her records; a classically trained musician who has spent her formative years between England and Australia. Previous exposure to the music scene had focused on documentary soundtracks and contributions to Mark Linkous' Sparklehorse project and it appears this experience has provided the skills and confidence to not only write her first album but also to engineer and produce it.

The easiest way to describe Sol Seppy's vocals would be to compare her to a grown-up version of Stina Nordenstam; given further characterisation by occasional inflections which seem to emanate from Southern England. Musically, it's largely spare and simplistic with haunting pianos and acoustic guitar pushed to the foreground yet there's still time for the lo-fi pop charms of 'Come Running' and 'Answer To The Name Of' and even 'Move' which is dominated by hard-hitting beats. Otherwise, 'Bells Of 1 2" is more refined. The likes of 'Wonderland' and 'Human' possess a magical, fairy tale-like quality full of childlike wonderment and a convincing sense of vulnerability. Ultimately, Sol Seppy is a another voice in a crowded field but one whose distinctive songwriting and singing style should lead to her cementing her place in the hearts of many music lovers.