At the Mermaid Parade Honest Jons Records ***

There was a time in the early and mid 1990s when you couldn't go to an Irish gig without tripping over this Breton/Welsh singer- songwriter. Having dallied quite seriously with commercial success on a major label only to find it didn't suit her (and vice versa), Keineg travelled to and from New York, where cult success and a marked degree of credibility once again followed. Now back in Wales and signed to Damon Albarn's label, Keineg has, with At the Mermaid Parade, produced her best album since her 1994 debut, O Seasons O Castle. Her forte is an innate sense of melody coupled with acutely observational lyrics, and the record is full to bursting with each via songs such as Old Friend, I Fell in Love with the World, Olden Daysand Dear Ashley. A cover of Big Star's Thirteenmight seem unnecessary given the original treats on display, but its sweetness counters the occasional lyrical acerbity. A welcome return from an underrated talent. See katellv keineg.com

Download tracks: Old Friend, Dear Ashley