Alessi’s Ark are one of those bands that you brazenly love to love. They play the kind of music that you see on annoyingly well crafted phone adverts, but, y’know, it’s okay that you like them ‘cos you knew about them ages ago before they went all mainstream and shit”¦But despite the band unashamedly surfing the sub currents of the mainstream folk effort, their music is none the less well considered and unerringly beautiful. Laurent-Marke’s genteel voice is perfectly complimented by the muted backing melodies; some bluegrassy strummings and delicate acoustic guitars are about all you will find in this organic gem of an EP. The nigh-on twenty year old manages to effortlessly combine all the delicacy of Priscilla Ahn, with the intensity of Natasha Khan.Opening song ‘The Robot’ provides a strong start, with the shaky reverberating vocals adding watery texture to the romantic ditty; making her sound like a timid Spektor. ‘Dancing Feet’ is the weakest of the bunch, and perhaps lacks the direction that the other songs seem to demand; meandering along without much purpose until we meet the altogether more uplifting ‘Shovelling’. The amusing yet innocent lyrics are intensified by the carefully timed absence of instruments.‘The Bird Song’ aptly incorporates upbeat guitar chirps and whistling melodies, completing the EP with a delightful little number that will have you walking with a skip in your step. Whilst Alessi and her intrepid Ark may not be a band to stick on repeat, they nonetheless produce thoughtful, evocative tunes that you could stick on if in need of a contented little snooze.Buy the EP from Rhythm Online