ANE BRUN
AFTER THE GREAT STORM / HOW BEAUTY HOLDS THE HAND OF SORROW
WW
BALLOON RANGER
★★★★/★★★★☆
Five years after Ane Brun released her last original material, Scandinavia’s best-kept secret returns with two exquisite albums in quick succession. ATGS is the more up-tempo collection, and it underlines a youthful love of trip-hop, which colours the steadfast title track, gracefully groovy opener Honey, and the reassuring Don’t Run And Hide, on which her voice is definitely honeyed. The Waiting’s winding keyboard line also hints at Massive Attack, while Take Hold Of Me’s swirling beats suit a woman who’s enjoyed dance chart success via collaborations with Andrew Bayer and Dr Kucho!.