Albums round up: At Swim by Lisa Hannigan; Furnaces by Ed Harcourt; The Childhood of a Leader OST by Scott Walker; Life On The Road by David Brent & Foregone Conclusion; After The Rain by Benjamin Francis Leftwich; Big Life by The Rifles
It brings a melancholy hue to her writing that’s further aided by the sparing, empathetic production of Aaron Dessner, guitarist with The National who’s previously helmed records by Sharon Van Etten and Local Natives.
In Lo Hannigan’s voice recalls the delicate fluttering tones of Elizabeth Fraser or Alison Goldfrapp. Ora drifts beatifically on a gentle current of piano and strings. Funeral Suit has a stately air and a gorgeous, heartfelt vocal.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdBetter still is Prayer For The Dying, a country-folk lament so tender you expect it to melt at any point. Outstanding stuff. For more on Lisa Hannigan CLICK HERE
Having Been confined to self-funded low-key releases and writing and producing for others since the end of his deal with Heavenly, Ed Harcourt has finally got the backing of a major label, a bigger budget and a hand-picked band that includes Stella Mozgawa of Warpaint and regular Tom Waits collaborator Michael Blair. The result is the 39-year-old singer-songwriter’s best work.