Laura Gibson – Empire Builder

Album number four from the Oregon native is a deft furthering of her folk roots and collaborative leanings. With input from Alela Diane and seasoned journeymen Peter Broderick and Dave Depper (Death Cab For Cutie), Empire Builder leans on their support and well it might, having been pieced together after Gibson's New York apartment block was destroyed – with it her instruments and her lyric books – in an explosion. 

Does it want for a little drama at times? Maybe. But it's so lovingly conceived, played and sung – Gibson's vocals are an airy, unspoilt wonder – that it connects throughout. When she sings 'We are not alone' on the brooding title track – a heartfelt, lovelorn reverie – you almost believe her, such is her passion and her poise. One for the wee small hours, Empire Builder is made of stronger stuff than its delicate nature would have you believe. [Gary Kaill]