Aventine is Agnes Obel’s second album and follows on from 2010’s Philharmonics. A big seller in continental Europe and her own native Denmark, the album was a critical hit in the UK, rather than commercial. A darker and more sombre record, whether Aventine will prove to be a breakthrough is hard to tell.

Having said that, the final track is called Smoke and Mirrors and that could actually describe album’s overall vibe. While there’s a distinct air of melancholy, almost desolation infused throughout this album, underlying the façade there are currents and eddies that suggest that Ms Obel isn’t actually as glum as she and her music sound; take the plucking(clucking) strings on Aventine, or the relatively frisky Words are Dead. That’s not to say they are a barrel of laughs but they have a certain playfulness that sets them apart from the rest of the tracks.

However, it's the instrumental opener Chord Left that is a better indicator of what the listener should expect: Sparse, glacial, beautifully fluid piano led songs. Fuel to Fire has a Nyman air about it, as the strings are deftly introduced, and is one the album’s most beautiful songs. The Curse’s is the album’s standout, its stately pacing utterly hypnotic.

Ms Obel’s voice is exquisite throughout served by a crystal but sympathetic production. In conclusion, this isn’t an easy album to take in, it can sound a little samey in parts and for some it may become a slog, though patience should bring its rewards.