Amy Studt

In the last few years Amy Studt has been reshaping her sound, working in her own Sleepwalker Studio with Hatcham Social’s, Toby Kidd. For a time some of the material was put out under a different name (Mercy), as if testing the water. A track named after those studios was well-received but it appears that Studt now feels comfortable returning to performing under the name that gave her her early success.

Still in her 20s, there is plenty of time ahead for the London born singer to re-establish herself to some extent. Her initial success may have come a little too early and little too quickly, and there has been a critical tone to some of her comments about the industry. Better then, to explore these feelings and emotions on record. This double A side release shows why.

Different Colour Pills oozes atmosphere, with Kate Bush like twirls in her vocal on a startling exploration of prescription drugs. There is also a touch of Julee Cruise here, with haunting and echoey vocal over a sparse guitar backing. The track ignites after three minutes when a male vocal appears, like an outside voice interrupting a confessional.

'Last night I dreamt I changed my name' Studt gushes on the second track, I was Jesus In Your Veins, and the sentiment of self exploration continues. It has a contrasting and catchy second half, which indicates that Studt has not totally fallen out of love with the pop hook. An album is expected in 2016 and on this evidence it will be a very interesting and perhaps contrasting listen.