Mirel Wagner sounds a bit like a 14-year old Tracy Chapman who’s had a couple of drinks and isn’t feeling so hot on the whole “brighter side of life” thing. Someone described her music to me as “doom-folk” and to be quite honest, I expected something more drone-y, more destitute. To say the least there isn’t a lick of happiness in any of the three songs I’ve perused of Ms. Wagner’s (a Finn via Ethopia), but the music still manages to feel tender, honest even. “No Hands” is soft, short, and simple and if it doesn’t bury itself next to the less smiley parts of your music-loving soul, I’d cut back on the Valium.

Mirel Wagner’s self-titled debut album is out now on Friendly Fire.

Mirel Wagner “No Hands” by 230MP3