Lavender Diamond are one of those folk/indie groups who are able to successfully mix a blend of 60's/70's folk with a more up to date orchestral pop that appeals, is worth listening to and grabs the attention of the common man and woman.

On the band's first single from 'Imagine Our Love', Lavender Diamond's debut album on Rough Trade Records, 'Open Your Heart' was a track which dealt with a complex range of emotions. Incorporating love, sadness, yearning and loss in a simple lyrically format, front woman Becky Stark's gorgeous vocals accompanied a beautiful rhythm and melody that reigned throughout the track from beginning to end.

The track opened with a simple foot pounding bass drum combined with a variety of percussional adornments, and was reminiscent of a Rolling Stones number with that mid 70's folk feel. A melodic piano and acoustic guitar ensemble flashed into ear shot at the flick of a switch and were coupled with interludes of well constructed orchestral unison throughout.

'Open Your Heart' was a real feel good track and lyrically, although simple in form and number, was memorable and easily caught in your mind. Stark sang: "Well the streets are low, when you have to go, where are you running to?" Vocally, Becky Stark was perfect in every way, showing some real eloquence and sincerity in her projection and offering shades of the talent of Joni Mitchell.

A faultless attempt and a successful resurrection of a genre making a big come back.