To say the past few years have been turbulent for Karima Francis, doesn’t quite cut it. Having received favourable comparisons to Joan Armatrading and Tracy Chapman for her debut album, the Blackpudlian singer-songwriter subsequently had to battle through serious illness and heartbreak before she could face the critical eyes of the industry once more. But while she has our respect for surviving the ordeals in her personal life, she’s won our deep admiration for emerging stronger, artistically. Produced by PJ Harvey-collaborator Flood, The Remedy is frank and touching without lapsing into self-indulgence, and makes for compelling listening.