RADAR Update: Lucy Rose

We like the fact that Lucy Rose began work on her major label debut with producer Charlie Hugall (Ed Sheeran, Florence and the Machine) at her parents' home Warwickshire. For all the critical buzz surrounding the 22-year-old nu-folk singer and songwriter, the unpretentious and grounded lack of irony that permeates her artful music appears to be as natural and unassuming as her accent. Debut album Like I Used To (September 24, Sony U.K.) is nonetheless an ambitious project of depth and maturity, melodies that skitter and dart lightly carrying lyrics that tumble forth and then seems suspended mid-air. Comparisons to Laura Marling are expected but despite the equally ethereal vocal quality only reveal, ultimately, some distinct (and welcome) differences. There's some cool, brisk and breezy energy in songs like the tightly wound "Red Face" or art-pop leanings and staggered rhythms of latest single (and video below) "Lines" proving that while comfortable in a stripped acoustic setting, Rose is equally adept at reimagining her songs in full-on dramatic and orchestral trappings.

Lucy Rose - "Lines" (from Like I Used To)

Lucy Rose - "Red Face" (from Like I Used To)