It's sometimes worrying to learn of an artist's influences before you hear their own material; it can either turn some folk instantly away, or interest them enough to investigate further. Jenny Lindfors strikes a balance somewhere between the two. Her love of songwriters such as Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac and Neil Young is all well and good, but is it imaginative? It may conjure up images of solid song-crafting, but does it conjure up ones of innovation? Basing your opinion on Lindfors' background (she's previously worked with Offaly cowboy Mundy, and supported the likes of The Devlins and Rodrigo y Gabriela), her music should sound about as interesting as a fart in a paper bag. Astonishingly, it's far from it. When the Night Time Comes, the Dubliner's self-produced first album, is a fine example of lovingly-crafted and gorgeously-delivered folk-pop songs. The press release says that she's been writing songs since the age of six, and if true, it's unsurprising - each of the twelve songs here are executed with confidence and poise, in Lindfors' distinctive velvety tones. Night Time is a sultry, sensual acoustic number that indeed evokes shades of Stevie Nicks, not least because of the spine-tingling harmonies which feature prominently throughout the album. I Don't Really Want You Here and Lovestage are both heavy-hearted paeans - the former documenting the inevitable end of a relationship - while Play It Away's brooding, cello-supplemented angst reaches a stunning climax thanks to aforementioned harmonies. Lindfors also proves that she can do more than melancholia; lead single 2x1 is a swinging, uptempo number, Timewarp's sassy jangle positively fizzles with attitude, and closer Light Up could almost be a close-harmony, '20s-style girl group track. The most outstanding thing about the album, however, is Lindfors' pure, powerful voice, that's full of depth and richness and belies her 25 years. Forget the influences; When the Night Time Comes is best listened to through good earphones, and with an open mind.
