Self-produced and self-released like last year's Screwing Lies, Passion Play breaks from that record's Kate Bush-influenced alt.folk for piano- and brass-based, atmospheric funk grooves. The songs are less brazenly sexual than before, like Ed Harcourt in the way they veil any confessions in metaphor and flights of fancy. It means Carr's heart isn't quite on display yet, except for her love of show and disguise. And despite her evident talent for production, the next record may be time for the challenge of a record company budget—so long as the wayward, unique instincts that fire this one stay.

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