It’s been three years since the release of her debut album CAIS, a sophisticated suite of songs inspired by the likes of Milton Nascimento and Elis Regina. Since their release album they have been working hard and had some amazing performers. This time round Gosling has crafted an even more adventurous set – harmonically bolder, mysterious and laced with tension. Working closely with studio magician Vincent Helbers as well as in-demand drummer Richard Spaven , these arrangements will stir the emotions with their acute expression of enchantment, rapture and despair in the throes of love. As in life, there is light but also shade. Gosling is really maturing as a writer and arranger, unafraid to show her vulnerability. Listen to ‘But I love you’. She sings what many of us feel yet few can express. Elsewhere, she and her band reconfigure standards such as ‘Bianca’ (Egberto Gismonti) and ‘Trem Azul’ (Lô Borges), the latter featuring the inimitable drumming style of Spaven with Helbers channeling Bob James. Intricate guitar work, choirs of voices, tough rhythms, orchestral passages … it’s all here. Expect an intriguing blend of contrasts, a Portishead-like bridge between the acoustic and electronic spheres. Line up: vocals: Agnes Gosling producer/keyboardist: Niels Broos Drummer: Richard Spaven Bassist: Robin Mullarkey