BBC Review
Bleakness is shunned in favour of full-bodied warmth; with harmonies, harmonicas and...
Zoe Street2002
Beth Orton has collaborated with Jim O'Rourke to produce this, her fourth album - and a very grown-up affair it is too. Those who found the lo-fi Daybreaker a bit dreary can take heart because Comfort Of Strangers has a brighter slant altogether. Bleakness is shunned in favour of full-bodied warmth; with harmonies, harmonicas and blissed-out strings throughout.
Opening track "Worms" is sweetly upbeat despite love-burnt lyrics -very Aidan Smith. "Shopping Trolley" is a beaut, with joyous crashing drums and pianos supporting Orton's fragile hoots. "Heart Of Soul" is another winner, strident and romantic. "Feral Children" floats along magically though Orton's quavery holler can grate after a while.
All in all a very rounded release and a bit of a grower.
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