Emiliana Torrini’s latest is a much more gentle affair than 2008’s ‘Me and Armini’, and it highlights what a pure, beautiful voice she has. It is actually something of a concept album, looking at the peace she has found since motherhood and taking time away from touring, and that comes across with a refreshing honesty and lack of pretension. Comparisons with Björk might be inevitable, given her Icelandic roots, but Torrini’s voice is smaller and more intimate, and her production – here at least – is engaging and a lot more subtle. In a song like ‘Caterpillar’ this works a treat, with some intricate guitar work and soft atmospherics going on in the background. Her songs tell a story that hook the listener in – I was completely lost during ‘Autumn Sun’ and ‘Home’, for instance, while ‘Blood Red’ sent a shiver down my spine. Meanwhile on ‘Speed of Dark’ the rhythm track gives out a really classy slow disco backing. So there may not be a riotous song like ‘Jungle Drum’ on here, but no matter, for Torrini makes her point to the listener in an equally powerful and very understated way. Once you’ve heard her in the right environment, ‘Tookah’ will take root as the album of choice once the spell has been cast.
5 out of 5
Reviewed By Ben Hogwood
