While the cult Scottish band Belle and Sebastian take a break, their singer and cellist Isobel Campbell takes the opportunity to release the second album from her side project The Gentle Waves. As the name suggests, this is delicate, sensitive music that is sometimes a bit too esoteric for its own good. Swansong For You often feels like a series of pastiches, from French pop to Spaghetti Westerns, all sung in Campbell's wispy, little-girl voice. Some will find it all a bit twee and sentimental, but at their best the Gentle Waves serve up a lush, sweet sound which rewards repeated listening.
