On the face of it Kathryn Williams makes what appears to be restrained music…but when you listen closely it stops you dead in your tracks. There is often a sting in her tale, lyrics that take on new meanings when closely examined, so what can be a relaxing listen is actually eerie in practice. A song like ‘Cuckoo’ is the perfect example, with harmonies that melt the heart but lyrics that speak of how “I’ve got a cuckoo in my nest” – a sinister proposition! And so the album proceeds, with Williams’ gorgeous voice benefiting from minimal studio treatment, and Ed Harcourt’s arrangements complementing its tales of double dealing – such as in ‘Electric’, where the drip effect is softly magical. Kathryn Williams’ ninth album, then, is a soothing but compelling late night listen, which might have you looking over your shoulder a bit nervously on occasion!
5 out of 5
Reviewed by Ben Hogwood
{http://soundcloud.com/kathrynwilliams/cuckoo}
