It’s rare in these heady days of Grindie and greasy, unkempt guitar pop to hear a borderline country artist pierce the din with polished songwriting.
But that’s what Thea Gilmore does on Harpo’s Ghost.
Harpo’s Ghost sounds like a duelling contest between The Indigo Girls, Meredith Brookes and Tori Amos. This is no catfight though; it’s intelligent, cutting and washes over you in a wave of professionalism and excitingly accomplished songwriting.
From the subdued tone of ‘The Gambler’ to the biting ‘Everybody’s Numb’ the album couldn’t get off to a stronger start.
By the time it hits ‘Whistle and Steam’ it’s well into its stride and you’re well away.
Speaking of ‘Whistle and Steam’ the comparisons to KT Tunstall may be inevitable, but it’s a kop-out: don’t believe it. Tunstall may come from the same school of musical thought, but Gilmore is far too edgy to be slotted in that pop vein.
‘Harpo’s Ghost’ is another album that’ll make even the most jaded of music fan excited about clever, solid new music all over again.
