Anna Calvi - Anna Calvi, a review



In 2011 it's not exactly difficult to go out and find yourself an alternative, dark-pop influenced female. Enter Anna Calvi. Although released mid-January, to me it's a relatively new album. I listened once and ignored it. Then a friend gave it a rather generous review.

Well here we are. Introducing herself with 'Rider to the Sea', a guitar instrumental plausibly suited to a Tarantino moment, it's slightly reminiscent of the great country Western scores commanded by Moriccone and Co. There are understated yet tense glimmers before introducing her voice in 'No More Words', and it's a rather seductive one indeed. Evoking some shades of PJ Harvey and Siouxsie Sioux, she purrs.

However it really kicks off with 'Desire', a Springsteen style guitar anthem full of excitement and a great chorus. 'Suzanne and I' demonstrates her throatier vocals with an almost Bond-theme backdrop, pausing around the 2 and a half minute mark for some unusual moaning.



'First We Kiss' continues the 60s soul/blues influences with a sexual twist, suddenly changing halfway through into a manic burst of strings and guitars, a welcome wave of excitement. In 'The Devil' there's a decidedly subtler approach, all twinkling guitar licks and haunting vocals. Probably the highlight of the album.

'Blackout' is perhaps the most commercially viable of the tracks, being so quick-paced and unrelenting on your attention span. Animal noises build up to an energetic chorus that laps at the libido. 'I'll Be Your Man' is perhaps the most PJ of the lot, also nodding to influences such as Nick Cave and more classical ones - she herself cites Nina Simone (probably the most suitable given the seamless transition between tense whispers and violent outbursts) and Maria Callas.



There are dazzling synths and a minimalist bassline that accompany 'Morning Light', providing a bit of a wind-down to the album that's a little premature. And finally the dark blues sounds return in 'Love Won't Be Leaving', a unique blend of country, blues and latin influences. There are unsettled cymbals and synths that help create a dark atmosphere that bows out with candour.

It's certainly an enticing debut. There are all the right ingredients for a critical success and she's already enjoyed a few stellar reviews but with a #40 placing on the album charts I fear it's going to be shortlived. There's also a slight problem with the songwriting - musically it's perfect, but nothing sticks out lyrically. Whether or not she can keep up the quality is another matter entirely.

Rating: 6.5/10
Highlight: The Devil, Blackout, Desire, Rider to the Sea
Avoid: Morning Light

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