National Geographic Music (National Geographic)

Collaborating once more with Johnny Smillie, 'Return of the Sacred Heart' sees Monica's voice reach another level still, right from opening track 'Fly Away', featuring Jim White, and the sparse production gives it room to be heard in all its glory.

Queen and Johnny Smillie were founder members of Thrum, a critically-lauded indie band influenced by such Amerciana icons as Patsy Cline and Neil Young. Grant Lee Buffalo, The Jayhawks and Shane McGowan were amongst those impressed enough by Monica's work in Thrum to invite her onto their live shows and Mark and Lard were firm fans at Radio 1.

Thrum had been at an end for a few years when Belle and Sebastian's Stuart asked Monica to collaborate on a song he felt needed something extra special. The result was 'Lazy Line Painter Jane', which went on to become the fans' favourite and band's closing number. On seeing Monica perform with Belle and Sebastian at various gigs, including the Royal Albert Hall and Glastonbury, Johnny realised that she needed a new vehicle for her voice; the result being the wonderful 'Ten Sorrowful Mysteries', which showed a whole new depth to Monica's voice, accompanied by Johnny's trademark guitar and inventive electronica. It was widely acknowledged that this was a coming of age for Monica's talents and she is now regarded as one of Scotland's finest and most credible vocalists.

Monica has also worked extensively with James Grant, one of Scotland's greatest songer-songwriters, providing vocals on his albums 'I Shot The Albatross' and ' Holy Love' as well as becoming an integral part of his live shows. Jim White asked Monica and Johnny to work with him on a track and has returned the favour on 'Return of the Sacred Heart'.

— CalabashMusic.com