I wonder how Emma Pollock would fare on The X-Factor, a programme that seems to only recognise talent in the multi-octave, gurgling singers who emulate the Whitney’s and Mariah’s of the world. Simon Cowell and his cronies would probably label her voice as bland – where are the yelps and warbles? Where are the trill shrieks? What these vocalists lack though is sheer emotion – sure, they might be capable of impressive leaps across the octaves and a high C to shatter a pint pot, but their music doesn’t cause me to feel anything, it doesn’t move me emotionally.

Since the breakdown of the Delgados, Pollock has been busy on this, her first solo effort, and has clearly laboured long and hard to get things right. The production is clean and full of space and vitality, the instrumentation given room to breathe. However, her voice remains the real jewel – beautiful but simplistic, displaying her best vocal performance since Peloton,. If comparisons must be made then the musical style of that album is the bedfellow to her solo record, coupled with the deep lyrical themes found on The Great Eastern.

Opener track “New Land” is the closest to what came before, diverse instrumentation set to waltz-time, the song grinding to a halt at interludes before bursting back into life. “Acid Test”, the second single, is far more upbeat and pop, glorious backing vocals lifting the chorus as guitars grind and chime in equal measure. However, the greatest showcase for her talents is found in “Paper and Glue”, where her natural, effortless vocal delivery is displayed in an exquisite song, beautifully arranged, powerfully building into the guitar break before soaring back into the refrain. Limbs is more delicate, but no less powerful, understated instrumentation matched to lyrics of hope in times of darkness.

As a solo artist, Pollock is also using the piano far more than as a Delgado, “Adrenaline” housing a keyboard piece that punches into the song. “If Silence Means That Much To You” moves at a cracking pace, with Spanish trumpets blasting into the chorus, whilst Fortune is full of breathy vocals redolent of Throwing Muses. “You’ll Come Around” has the energy and sound of a female fronted Teenage Fanclub, whilst album closer “Optimist” takes us into darker territory. This is a wonderful album, where her voice shines through as the real star. Fans of Throwing Muses and Belly will not be disappointed. Fans of good music will not be disappointed. YOU will not be disappointed.
90%

Links
Emma Pollock [official site] [myspace] [buy it]