Emiliana Torrini is an Icelandic vocalist, but in all truth that’s where any comparisons with Bjork should end. This is an album set in intimate confines, so that it’s often just Torrini, her guitar and the listener. The songs are direct and emotional, but never lapse in to those tiresome singer/songwriter bouts of self righteousness we hear so often – instead, with a bit of electronic dressing thrown in, they’re deeply emotional. But nothing quite prepares you for the riot of ‘Jungle Drum’, a few minutes of musical insanity with Torrini completely letting herself off the leash and falling head over heels in love. This is an uncommonly uplifting record, from the heady rush of ‘Jungle Love’ to the darkly electric ‘Gun’.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Ben Hogwood
