2009 will undoubtedly be remembered as the year in which the girls ruled the airwaves. Florence, Little Boots and La Roux all sold their debuts by the truckload whilst lesser-heard gems from the likes of St Vincent also stole our hearts. Unrelenting, the trend seems set to continue into 2010 with Marina & The Diamonds, Paloma Faith and the Good Natured. Whether this second wave of female fronted pop will prove just as rewarding as the first is but one of the reasons why next year will make for such interesting listening.

For another lady – the very talented Laura Groves, aka Blue Roses – 2009 has also been a year to reflect on with great affection, albeit one greeted with less fanfare than her more high profile luminaries. The girl from Shipley, Yorkshire released her self-titled debut album back in April to many critical plaudits, making a blissful pop folk perfect for those long, sticky summer nights. This EP, released ahead of a December tour across the United States provides an opportunity to both reminisce and speculate as to where Blue Roses will go next.

This four tracks collection is available now to download or cherish as a limited 7” vinyl. Opening track Does Anyone Love Me Now? is lifted from Roses’ aforementioned album, a beautifully intricate, finger picked lament, heartfelt and sweet. Doubtful Comforts is also taken from her album but is found here as a wonderfully full bodied live collaboration with the Grammatics, a band whose impeccable debut release features in TMM’s best of 2009 list. Owen Brinley’s vocals intertwine methodically with Groves in a tender fashion. Groves influences are explored through Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand), a rather tasteful Irma Thomas cover. First Frost Night is appropriately named given the time of year and is the only 100% original work featured. The 12-string jangle, distant fantasia and vocal gymnastics all rekindle Natasha Khan without the more whimsical lyrics. Perhaps no great stylistic leap then but interesting nonetheless.

As an EP this will provide few surprises for those already familiar with the music of Blue Roses. For anyone uninitiated or unfamiliar there is sufficient evidence to warrant a purchase of Laura Groves debut album and look forward to the next.

Picture by SamSaundersLeeds

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