Sometimes, the most fascinating artists are the ones who unnerve. Cate Le Bon is one such artist. Her stage presence and songs are forever shapeshifting, but she’s at her most effective when evoking an eerie calm. There’s a flintiness to the Penboyr-born singer-songwriter, which creates a sense of unease, even when she makes quiet and unassuming music. Previous comparisons to Nico and Broadcast’s late lead singer Trish Keenan are entirely apposite, as much of her oeuvre feels like the calm before the storm. Her exquisite voice can swoop and swoon, or remain cold and steely. More recently, though, she’s bared her soul and increasingly let her guard down.

Her seventh album continues in this trajectory. It’s subtle, with ten beautiful, stately tracks steeped in the melancholy of love, vulnerability and separation. Songs like ‘Jerome’ and ‘About Time’ mine unlikely – but no less timeless – ’80s hits like The Passions’ ‘I’m In Love With A German Film Star’ and OMD’s ‘Souvenir ‘.

There’s also a legendary vocalist in the shape of John Cale, who lends his unmistakable voice to the mordant, hypnotic ‘Ride’. Their vocals blend well together. Indeed, it’s Le Bon’s gorgeous, emotionally open voice that anchors the album, along with her intimate lyrics. Michelangelo Dying may be raw and sad, but the honesty and gorgeous instrumentation (jarring, often dissonant brass, juxtaposed with murky, psychedelic guitar) renders it absolutely sublime.