Natalie McCool’s accolades to date are pretty major. Admittedly we’re not that bothered that she won a competition judged by Chris Martin (sorry) but she’s found herself fans in Paul McCartney and Boy George and has even collaborated with Suede’s Bernard Butler. It’s been three years since her self-titled album and about time for her next. You might have already heard a live version of new track “Fortress” on a BBC Introducing session, today we’re premiering the single, pencilled for release 22nd April.

McCool’s vocals flutter between pure and choral howls to whispers on the track, harmonising with herself like a folkish choir until the song’s climax. The Liverpool singer’s last release, “Cardiac Arrest” was far more electronically charged but McCool’s new cut is warmer, more human. Growing steadily throughout the percussion crashes in for a spectacular finale. Strip away McCool’s voice and you could have the backdrop to an MGMT tune circa Oracular Spectacular, it’s just as wonderfully warped and crowded, that is, if McCool’s vocals weren’t there to steady it.