It’s been out for a little while, but there is a need to draw your attention to the second album from Toronto band Austra, because it’s a monster. Building on the promise shown in their debut ‘Feel It Break’, the album makes the most of Katie Stelmanis’ frankly amazing voice. Her penetrating tones are a bit like Florence and the Machine but without the tendency to holler – hers is a beautifully controlled vocal that lends itself to the majestic ‘What We Done’, the cool ‘Fire’ or the cut glass sounds of ‘Painful Like’. The production is very strong, too – powerful electro, full bodied percussion and expansive synth pads, to go with statements that bristle with attitude and a hint of glamour. Crucially the songs and their hooks are worthy of the sound, making an album that struts confidently on to the dancefloor and stays there for the full duration, ‘Hurt Me Now’ at the end adding a flash of danger. Definitely an album worth seeking out.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
