CD Reviews:

Originating from Waikuku Beach, north of Christchurch, but now based in Wellington, French for Rabbits follow well-received EP Claimed by the Sea with lush yet spare debut album Spirits, on which frontwoman Brooke Singer offers a warm focus to a collection of songs that, in other hands, might have come across as removed, or cool even.

Indeed, it seems that despite having garnered solid support in Europe (including performing at Secret Garden Party and The Great Escape), FFR is more content away from the crowds, perhaps wandering beaches swept by southerlies (Woke Up To A Storm) or staring out at the waves (Seafarer).

• French for Rabbits. Spirits. Lefse/Fat Possum Records.

• Four stars (out of five)

Single download: Cold
For those who like: Fleet Foxes, Laura Marling

- Shane Gilchrist