Nina Schofield

There have been many singers that have moved into songwriting and quite a few who have made the reverse transition. Following the likes of women as diverse as Carole King and Jessie J in moving from studio to front of mic, is Nina Schofield. She says the time feels right to make the record she has always wanted to release and she has taken small steps before making this bigger leap. Earlier this year, Schofield was guest vocalist on a couple of tracks from Vintage & Morelli, including the anthemic dance track We are Future.

Having spent time writing hits for others, Schofield now looks to explore her own identity and a bit like the tentative steps of the last two years (when a few tracks have also been released online) the album starts cautiously. Not until the uplifting former single Restart (chosen as the official anthem of World Voice Day 2016) is there a sense of purpose. New single Imaginary Love follows, with an atmospheric intro and sinister message, as Schofield looks back at the unwanted attention and lies of a sociopath who focused his attentions on her.

Later there is a hint at where she could find further success in the future, channeling her seductive side on Lost All Feeling. It has a smooth groove to accompany those sadly rare hot and sticky city nights of British summer. The ballad Fading Photograph describes 'dark hours' and 'chasing shadows', as Schofield displays her full vocal range, while Like A Fire is an impressive pick me up with great dance-remix potential.

As debuts go this a solid start but there are times when you wish the hair had been let down a little more and the safety catch released.