Karl Blau has released more than 40 records over a period of 20 years, so it is little wonder that his latest effort is a vastly confident, nine-and-a-half minute thing of beauty. Having signed to Bella Union for the release of Independent, the album from which "Fallin' Rain" is taken, due 13 May, the somewhat enigmatic singer is hoping to revive the growing country-tinged indie scene which has seen the remarkable rise of The War On Drugs and more recently the exciting, Secretly Canadian-signed Whitney. Teaming-up with producer Tucker Martine (Laura Veirs, The Decemberists, My Morning Jacket), Blau pines his way through the dreamy, sparkling track which rides along with gorgeous ease, as swathes of strings and warm, choral backing-vocals add to the perfect picture. It's a stunning release from this mysterious Northwest American alt. country icon, and we get to see it live at The Lexington on 6 September. -G.O'B