Agnes Obel’s debut Philharmonics opens with the same kind of subtly delicacy found on Tori Amos’ Under the Pink, and that’s not where the similarities end: the album is littered with references to rural tranquillity and, in stark contrast, urban cruelty. In the wrong hands a fusion of the two could spell for an uncomfortable listen, but in this instance it makes for a set of beautifully reflective and engaging songs.

Amos is not the only comparison that can be drawn here: the album pays homage to a variety of artists, including Roy Orbison, who Obel clearly admires, and Hitchcock, whose work has tainted this material with its cinematic energy. Elsewhere, on ‘Beast’ the presence of a harp and an affiliation with animals brings to mind Joanna Newsome, and the haunting lyrical magnetism of PJ Harvey comes through on the eponymous track. However, rather than wallow in styles perfected by others, Philharmonics is its own record. The influences presented to us do not dominant Obel’s own unique signature.

For the most part the album is led by a dulled piano, perfectly paired with some brilliantly understated vocals. These hold enough bleak emotionality to engrave on the listener’s soul. ‘Brother Sparrow’ eases from an infectious melancholy first stage into a second stage that champions the faintest whiff of optimism and determination. Like the rest of the album, it’s executed with a splendid precision that’s absolutely necessary to compete against such a sparse soundscape.

Unfortunately, the album’s only flaw is a detrimental one; in order to fully appreciate the splendid composition on offer, the listener has to concentrate very hard; almost too hard. Performing any kind of task, no matter how menial, during Philharmonics’ allotted time could destroy all the good mentioned above.

Obel has certainly succeeded where others have failed – her debut is pensive, inspired and beautiful – but rather than command total rapture because of its immediate effect, it demands stillness for its refinement, and that’s something that cannot always be guaranteed.