UNREPENTANT GERALDINES

Tori Amos has been an artist I have had a fond interest in just over the past few years ago. Having gotten into a lot of female singer songwriters, I was told that I may enjoy Tori Amos' music...and low and behold, turns out I do.

For anyone who hasn't heard Tori's music before, the best way to describe her is like a more comprehensible and easily accessible Kate Bush. But even then, describing Tori like this is a bit of an insult to her. Her genius is unfathomable and her talent is legendary.

Tori's career in the past few years has been one of interest but could also be seen as slight writers block. Her last full length album "Night Of Hunters" while in my opinion is a masterpiece, wasn't completely Tori's own material as each song was based on a piece of orchestral or classical music. Her last compilation album, "Gold Dust" was recorded orchestral versions of her material and before that "Midwinter Graces" was a collection of arranged carols and hymns. So, being her first proper full length in 5 years, how does the album hold up. Very well actually.

In fact, I would go far to say that this may be Tori's strongest album to be released since the late 90s. While Tori's material in the last 10 to 15 years has been pretty good, her spark that really drove her career in the early days was starting to dwindle and now it seems that that spark is back. Now, she isn't in her early 20's anymore, so her sound and lyrics are backed up by a more mature sound, but there is something there that wasn't there before, or at least in a long time. One of the aspects of Tori's music which puts her miles beyond any artist is her lyrics, and on this album she really shines. With the album's concept based around paintings and overtly anti religious feminism, some of the poetry on this album is beautiful and powerful at times, being overtly creative to be understood by most human minds.

The album's lead single "Trouble's Lament" is pretty much a beacon showing Tori's return to form. With religious imagery mixed with female views and geographic locations, the lyrics paint a very vivid picture. Brilliant vocals and a pretty cool song arrangement.

One of my favourite tracks on the album has to be "16 Shades Of Blue." Mixing electronic beats with Tori's brilliant piano playing, the arrangement is pretty interesting and very different, making it one of the standout tracks in the album.

"Promises" is a very interesting tune, as it has both Tori and her daughter Tash duetting together. The song has a pretty cool arrangement, with a pretty great vocal performance from both Tori and her daughter.

One of the oddest tracks on the album is "Giant's Rolling Pin." Reminding me of some of the more comical songs on Paul McCartney's material in The Beatles. With some joyous musical moments and some pretty creative lyrics, the song is like a fairytale for children but with an adult twist.

Two of the album's most beautiful moments can be heard in "Selkie" and "Oysters." Both songs contain some of Tori's most beautiful piano playing in years and even some of Tori's best vocals.

The album's final track "Invisible Boy" is a brilliant ending to this album. An incredibly emotional song about one of Tori's friends who passed away, she is almost on the brink of tears at certain points in this song. A beautiful ending to a pretty amazing album.

In conclusion, this album is really a landmark achievement for Tori, showing that her creativity has not dwindled one bit. Going back into the past and re finding herself, she has proved that like wine,you only get better with age.

8.6/10

Genres: Baroque Pop, Art Rock, Art Pop, Adult Contemporary, Progressive Rock, Electronica, Piano Rock, Alternative Rock

Country of origin: USA

Year of release: 2014