“Where You Rest” is the debut full-length from this Brighton-based songstress. Backed by sparse piano and viola arrangements, Astra explores the ups-and-downs of various relationships in these eight predominantly acoustic guitar-centered folk songs. The accompaniment, performed exquisitely by David Hickson (piano) and Abi Fry (viola), saves this from becoming another unbearable indie folk album by providing a sense of drama and emotional depth. Likewise, Astra’s gentle, yet pristine, vocals turn even her most forlorn and self-doubting material into something strangely beautiful. Certainly there are shades of Joni Mitchell involved, but there are places, such as on “Be My Friend”, “Phoenix”, and the title track, where the skeletal arrangements and the general tone are suggestive of PJ Harvey’s “White Chalk” album. Not a bad place to be for a first outing. 6/10 -- David Perron (1 September, 2009)