Amanda Abizaid

Maybe it’s because I do what I do but there does seem to be a lot of female singer-songwriters around at the moment. A glut maybe? There are a few things they have in common, very good voices, radio friendly songs and barely anything to set them apart from each other.

Amanda Abizaid is a little different as well as versatile, sensuous voice; she crucially has that little spark of originality that should set her apart from the others.

Blue Star Red Sky opens the album and is a slightly unsettling combination of samples, synths, brass, lots of blips and bubbles accompany, with Ms Abizaid commentating rather than singing, and it works. Wash Me is more traditional fare, a brisk, spacious song that’s lifted out of the ordinary by the careful use of the bouzouki. The rootsier, folokier Undivided is next, followed by the bluegrass Americana of Believe It.

How Can I Explain shuffles along on a laidback bass and brass, gathering instruments as it goes and in the end is just a little too busy.

This Life itself is probably the most straightforward pure MOR track on the album, but Abizaid’s voice manages to carries it off.

How Much We’re Alike (High 5s) with its off kilter rhythms and flute is an intriguing song. My Friend closes the album and what starts as a croon for the late night bar crowd, evolves into a song that at times sounds as if it wouldn’t be out of place on a Bond theme song album.

This is almost the perfect album: at less than half an hour it doesn’t outstay its welcome. Its many moods means that it could quite easily be slipped on at a dinner party without causing offence, but at the same time prick up the ears. However, it’s probably best savoured after midnight with a contemplative cognac in your hand. Thoroughly recommended.