 | | Reviews | | |  KARINE POLWART
Faultlines
Neon Productions NEONCD005
Blipping the folk scene radar first with a stint in Battlefield Band then with her own group Malinky, this 33-year old Scot comes of age with her debut solo album. Eleven original songs confirm suspicions that Polwart's writing abilities - already flagged up by Thaney and The Dreadful End Of Marianna For Sorcery from the Malinky repertoire - are mature and compelling.
With a vocal presence reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, Polwart's firmly contemporary collection is laced with dark themes and strong storylines. With a background in philosophy and the field of domestic and child abuse she's clearly a thinker, and her intelligent, ambiguous lyrics attend the Beth Orton/Shawn Colvin school of women with something to say. Melodically, the album is a kaleidoscope, from the jazzy, muted-trumpet opener Only One Way to the brooding tempo and edgy guitars of the modern murder ballad that closes the set. In between, a country-tinged fiddle-waltz (The Sun's Comin' Over The Hill), latino horns (Skater Of The Surface), a soft-focus metaphor for loss and anxiety (title track), a pop love song (Four Strong Walls) ... but what could be a stylistic ragbag is held together by vocal integrity and cohesive arrangements shot through with traditional instrumentation and just a hint of Scottishness lending pure originality. The bright touch of Corinna Hewat's electro-harp and a subtle input of melodeon, fiddle and banjo work perfectly with guitars, bass, drums/percussion and occasional horns.
Faultlines is both personal and political but tub-thumping it isn't - a passing appearance from George Bush's teeth within the first few minutes typically illustrates Polwart's take on songs with a message and there's bags of space for personal interpretation. A major candidate for album of the year.
Mel McClellan - March 2004
Have you listened to the album? Want to submit a review of your own?
Fill in the form below and tell us what you think. Please mention the album's name.
 Just bought the CD yesterday on the back of hearing Karine on the Folk awards. Boy, did it not disappoint, it is a fantastic mix of tunes held together by Ms Polwart's wonderfully angelic voice. I have played it over and over in the past 24 hours and have not got bored once. Thank You Karine Polwart!
Guy Weston, Wolverhampton
Yeh, saw her at New Vic in Newcastle under Lyme and she sang most of Faultlines. An excellent set and great CD.
Bigagino, Stoke on Trent
This is a stunning album. I would find it difficult to choose a favourite track. The strength of Polwart's lyrics and the beauty of the melodies make the quiet, gentle tracks like 'The Light on the Shore' as successful the more upbeat and funky 'Only One Way'. Like a really good painting, I can come back to this album and find a new level or a forgotten gem of a lyric in each song every time. Karine Polwart was just fantastic in Malinky and has proved with this album that she can transfer the talent she had for writing songs like 'Follow the Heron Home' into her solo career. This album has let her explore and given her a chance to shine even brighter.
Kirsten Gow, Glasgow
Rooted in old traditions, yet uncommonly fresh, Karine Polwart's Faultlines brims with intelligence and compassion. What you are witnessing here is the emergence of an artist whose time has come. Brilliant!
Doug, Canada
Saw Karine last year in Birmingham supporting Eddi Reader in concert.She wowed us both with her songs from Faultlines eg Waterlily. Planning to go and see her in W,ton next month.Brilliant.
david & sally nash, wolverhampton | | | | | | |  |
| | |
|
|
Folk & Acoustic
