BBC Review
The 18 year-old waitress-turned-entertainer to the stars delivers the goods!
Elle J Small2007
Embracing the renaissance of all things kitsch and fabulously forties (Lily Allen’s ball gowns, Christina Aguilera’s ‘Hello Sailor’ style), Victoria Hart takes appreciation of the opulent era to a whole new level on Whatever Happened To Romance? From her breathy Marilyn Monroe-esque vocal down to her platinum blonde album artwork, Hart clearly takes her homage seriously.
Astonishingly still a mere 18-years-young, Victoria Hart was ‘discovered’ by hit-maker Geoff Gurd (Dina Carroll, Force M.D.s) whilst swooning jazz and blues songs at a private picnic party in Cannes. Hart was just 15 at the time. Gurd marched the young entertainer to a studio and was knocked for six as Hart belted out notes as if she were a true jazz veteran.
Fast forward three years and the pair are ready to release Hart’s sensual debut LP. From bold opening album title track down to cheeky closer “Not My Fault”, it’s obvious we’re not dealing with your average 18-year-old. The California-born, London and French Riviera-bred teenager delivers her smooth mix of jazz, swing and blues with the air of seasoned pro.
Confidently taking on the Ray Davies/Kinks classic “Sunny Afternoon” – the only cover on the album - Hart delivers her distinctive husky-yet-crystal-clear tones over a sexy sax and some hypnotic percussion. Moving on to the excellently hazy “Port In A Storm”, Hart nods heavily to modern-day greats Morcheeba and Portishead, while on “Some Day” you’ll find a hint of Katie Melua.
As the title predicts, the theme of Whatever Happened To Romance? is one of good-girl-done-wrong, yet the overall vibe is refreshingly uplifting and unashamedly happy. The perfect accompaniment to croissants and broadsheets on a Sunday afternoon.
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