We have really enjoyed the dusky folk of Alela Diane’s previous albums, and so To Begin, a taster from forthcoming record Alela Diane & Wild Devine came as a bit of a surprise – it is bolder and more self-assured with more of a countrified twang than her usual sparser, pastoral folk feel. The vocal is gorgeous as always and a couple of listens is all it takes to whet the appetite for the full album.

Here’s what the lady herself has to say about it: “I wrote this song after embarking on an afternoon of hypnosis in my hometown — the lyrics reference the journey I took during my alter-reality & the things that became clear…” Make of that what you will!

It is out over here on Rough Trade Records on 4th April.

You can catch her live at three shows:

12th May – London, Scala

13th May – Manchester, Band On The Wall

14th May – Brighton, Pavilion Theatre

Download Alela Diane – To Begin mp3 (from Alela Diane & Wild Devine)