The wonderful Neko Case can do no wrong. This new album sees her picking up where she left off on Fox Confessor Brings the Flood and develops a more spiritual sound, a sound with definite gospel roots.

The voice and the music is unmistakably Case, who seems to be exploring an earthy or elemental theme on this release … That, and the theme of love songs (first track: This Tornado Loves You) – despite having earlier confessed that she doesn’t like writing them. Experiments with a piano orchestra using retrieved uprights destined for the tip lends a delightfully tinny, folksy sound to the Nilsson song Don’t Forget Me.

Another outstanding album that showcases her impassioned and clear voice, Middle Cyclone is quality through and through.