In a parallel universe somewhere Scandinavians rule popular culture. In a society where Anglo-American traditions are slung to the corner, Annie reigns in a Madonna like role as the leading female icon whilst Royksopp go on to tour well into their sixties occupying the Rolling Stones berth. Planet Earth isn’t this domain, but on hearing Sally Shapiro’s debut it’s certainly a pleasant exercise to engage in wistful longing of this place, with her haunting vocals float beautifully over the shiny synths and pulsating ital disco. 2006’s trailblazer ‘I’ll be by your side’ is present in its full glory, whilst there’s plenty more moments where dance floor abandon meets bubblegum beauty. As a lighter tonic to the roughness this summer, Shapiro is definitely something to make the breeze all the more gentle.