This week's Roots releases reviewed

JESSICA LEE MAYFIELD

With Blasphemy So Heartfelt Polymer Records  ***

This young woman from Ohio conjures up bleak vistas of stillborn relationships and grim tidings amid the tangled wreckage of enlightened adolescence. Mayfield, not yet 20, sounds as if she's lived long enough to feel less than enthusiastic about what is happening and what is to come. And, yet, in these 12 tracks of fractured country and indie angst there is a glimmer of beauty and more than a hint of intrigue, which carry the listener through to the bitter end. Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Mayfield's skeleton debut opens with the bright Kiss Me Againbefore cruising into the darkness with a stream of desolate songs heightened by her pointedly indifferent southern voice. It's not pretty, but it is pretty effective, not least I'm Not Lonely Anymoreand Bible Days. www.myspace.com/jessicaleemayfield

Download tracks: Bible Days, Kiss Me Again

KIMMIE RHODES

Ten Summers 1995-2005 Sunbird ***

This is a re-release of the Texan singer-songwriter's interim greatest hits to tie in with her current British tour (though no Irish dates). If last year's Walls Fall Downwas a timely reminder of Rhodes's skill as a songwriter and a strong performer, this collection shows that she has consistent form on her side, particularly when she duets with the likes of Townes Van Zandt, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson and the late Waylon Jennings. Her measured singing, considered lyrics and soft round melodies set her apart, though she does struggle to come up with "killer" songs that could propel her to the next level, and she can seem a little one-paced. But then again, maybe at this autumnal stage of her career she is happy where she is. Check out West Texas Heaven, I'm Gonna Fly(with Van Zandt) and Love and Happiness for You(with Emmylou), a deadly version of which both singers offered at their show in Dublin last year. www.kimmierhodes.com