Imogen Heap - 'Speak For Yourself' (Megaphone Records) Released 18/07/05

Sounding like a Dickensian character, Imogen Heap possesses the kind of electro-pop sensibility that would appeal to listeners of Royksopp, Erland Oye, Suzanne Vega or Tori Amos. Her second solo album, 'Speak for yourself', displays talented songwriting and an expressive voice on an album that grows with subsequent listening.

The instrumentation is largely programmed-electronica in an obvious, disposable, yet supportive manner, for it's in the lyrics and voice that Imogen truly shines. Singing through vocoder on the standout track 'Hide and Seek', a tender song delivered electro-acapella that shows Imogen's inventiveness and confidence in her voice. Texture and talent are at work on 'Have You Got It In You' and 'Clear the Area', with layered vocals drifting and shimmying into ear-space, songs which are all dealing with everyday preoccupations.

The electronica slant on this album allows Imogen the independence as a solo artist, but the beats can be somewhat overbearing and distracting at times, and probably work best in live setting. Ms Heap will no doubt be pricking a few ears with this distinctive and inventive pop album.