Polly Scattergood – Arrows (Mute)
LP/CD/DL
Out Now
Colchester born Indie pop, experimental,
alternative rock singer/songwriter, Polly Scattergood returns with her long awaited
second album.
Unfortunately, it seems that being a female
singer nowadays brings inevitable comparisons, so I won’t make them, yet. Released on her twenty-seventh Birthday, the
second album from Polly Scattergood follows her eponymously titled 2009 debut
which contained wonderful pieces of dark and pop in equal measure. ‘Arrows’ is no different in that respect,
but, this time round the guitars have been mostly replaced by synthesizers and
the addictiveness is still there.
Opener, ‘Cocoon’, from its subtle intro soon builds
into a marvellously memorable track. The
chorus is a rolling wave of melodious brilliance which will stay with you for
quite some time. “From my cocoon I will
let you in”, and, there is a clue to the unique talent that lies ahead. Let it not be said that Polly is emotionless,
and, equally she cannot be dismissed as another wannabe pop Princess. Her punk sensibilities are clear to see if
only you’d take a listen, and, the pure emotion on some tracks leads you to
believe that Polly is about to burst into tears. ‘Miss You’ is an incredible piece of lyricism
and standalone poetry in its own right.
A simple piano backing cannot hide the haunting yet beautiful words.
Her recent spot supporting label-mates
Goldfrapp will have impressed, particularly with tracks like ‘Wanderlust’ which
could quite easily have been from the main acts repertoire and would easily
nestle on ‘Black Cherry’, and, ‘Subsequently Lost’ wouldn’t sound out of place
on a Pet Shop Boys long-player as she bursts into a bass drive electronic
delight.
Album highlight, ‘Disco Damaged Kid’, explores
lifes moments of euphoria and slowly climbs and climbs, until when you expect
it to burst into a high powered chorus of anthemic quality, the urge is
resisted and it falls back down again.
In terms of songwriting, it’s genius, and for a writer so young, we must
all take notice.
‘Silver Lining’ insists Polly ‘feels no pain’
but you can’t help feel that there is lots under the skin. Album closer ‘I’ve Got A Heart’ will tear at
your inner soul. Can we hear Polly’s
tears? Probably. Superb.
At a time when we are being flooded by second
rate 80s sounding wannabe’s, Polly has harnessed the commercial excitement of
the era and mixed with her own emotional roller-coaster to produce an album
which, if there’s any justice, will make everyone sit up and listen.
Put away your Florence wailing and give this
girl a listen.
9/10
Published on Louder Than War 1/11/13 - here
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