MANY will be surprised to see William Orbit credited as producer of Katie Melua’s fourth studio LP. Famous for his work with Blur and the umpteenth reinvention of Madonna, Orbit specialises in dance remixes with an edge.

Yet Mike Batt retains his post as executive producer, so the creative change is hardly dramatic. More epic and theatrical than its forerunners, The House is an enjoyable extension to Melua’s previous works. But don’t expect any radical makeover. Likewise, although Rick Knowels and Guy Chambers contribute songs, Katie and Batt supply the lion’s share. The House is hardly the reconstruction of Katie Melua, as promised, more a pleasant makeover.

Sandi Thom, left, really has changed her musical direction. The Scot is still probably best known for I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker (With Flowers In My Hair), and the bubble gum pop of The Pink And The Lily. Having been dropped by Sony, Sandi finds new artistic licence, and sings good old-fashioned blues in the style of Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac. There are some good songs on offer, in particular Gold Dust and the a capella Ghost Town.

Thom shows more versatility than Melua, but she is destined to perform her new songs to only a few dozen festival attendees. Whereas Melua knows her audience and delivers another album which will be cherished and admired by her fans.

* Sandi Thom plays at Nunnington Hall, near Helmsley, on June 24