Kathleen Edwards – Voyageur

The fruits of a few years' absence and an ongoing collaboration with Bon Iver figurehead Justin Vernon, Voyageur presents a more developed, confident, and articulate Kathleen Edwards. Recorded at Vernon’s studio – a converted family home – in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, the location certainly seems to have lent itself to the Canadian songwriter's state of mind, which builds and elaborates upon the domestic relationship themes of 2008’s Asking for Flowers.

The pair’s own relationship and work together on Edwards’ latest single Wapusk may be helping garner attention, but it is not undeserved. Although the record features a number of collaborations which include Oxford folkies Stornoway and a vocal appearance by Norah Jones on the stunning For The Record, the star is never outshone. Writing openly about the break-up of her marriage and longing for a sense of home, Voyageur’s concise and intimate songs convey a universal sentiment that is not easily shaken.