Making her return to music after eight years, Markéta Irglova has delivered a deeply meaningful album about love lost and gained. Its opening line, “No one is immune to love once it finds you”, sets the tone, along with her angelic vocals, blending beautifully with classical guitar and piano.

Although much of LILA appears to be about pain, Irglová emphasises love over all else. With lyrics like “Though I lost you/ Love stayed with me,” she cuts deep into the nuances of losing a loved one, while still feeling their presence.

She also explores self-love, building up her own power and confidence in ‘My Roots Grow Deep’, singing “I’m a tall and mighty tree/ I can weather any storm.” The album closes with ‘Know Yourself’, which begins with an eerie static and a tension-building string arrangement. “Mother says/ You’re stronger than you know,” Markéta sings, “In the end you’ll find the answer’s been there all along.” It’s advice worth heeding.

Her classical training also adds a lovely layer of olde world sophistication. LILA is a terrific effort, simultaneously serene and heartbreakingly emotional.

Score: 7/10
Listen: ‘My Roots Go Deep’

Out now via overcoat recordings.

Read more album reviews in the new issue of Hot Press.