Bomb in a Birdcage [Import]

The debut album by A Fine Frenzy, 'One Cell in the Sea', has over the past year or two been gathering an increasingly strong fan base for Alison Sudol and her band. It was an album of poetic, sometimes haunting songs; and the first single from that album, 'Almost Lover', propelled her to stardom, with particular success in continental Europe as well as her native America. For those who might have been expecting her new album to continue in the same style, 'Bomb in a Birdcage', may come as a surprise.

The album cover may contain a hint: gone is the perhaps slightly fragile and shy look of Sudol on 'One Cell in the Sea', and in comes a sassy, in-your-face image of the artist as a determined, daring woman. However, lest I am worrying fans of her debut album, there are some overlaps and similarities in the music. Alison Sudol the poet is still very much there, and the lyrics of the new tracks continue to use beautiful and memorable imagery and expressions. Also, there are some songs that pick up from her earlier style, perhaps in particular 'Happier', 'Bird of Summer' and 'Swan Song'; the latter is an extraordinarily beautiful expression of loss and regret, and one of my favourite tracks. Perhaps the first single from the album, 'Blow Away', is something of a bridge between the old and the new A Fine Frenzy, with powerful melody but also a punchy beat. This song also shows off her strong vocal range, as she manages to deliver a part rock anthem and part operatic aria in a song that unites these styles quite easily and very successfully.

And then there are other songs where Sudol makes use of various styles that have informed her music, including jazz, rock and even country. While there isn't a weak song on the album, the one that made me sit up most when I first heard it was 'We Stood Up', a rallying cry of defiance and determination, but which (as the final line reveals) is a plea for kindness.

Not many singers or bands risk completely new departures after a successful first album. 'Bomb in a Birdcage' is a pure delight because it refuses to allow A Fine Frenzy to be typecast, but at the same time does not refuse to give her fans some of what they have come to treasure. It is a hugely powerful album, supported by songwriting that is clever, astute, enticing, original and simply musical, and driven by a performance from Sudol and her band that is hugely impressive. The musical accompaniment is sophisticated, emphatic where it needs to be but also very subtle in some of the songs - I think I could hear flutes and horns, for example.

This is a must-buy, must-have album.

It's hard to keep up sometimes with so much good new music in the world.
I am indebted to Marvin Mole for introducing me to this truly splendid album.

A Fine Frenzy is Alison Sudol and this is her second album; the first,
'One Cell In The Sea', was released in 2007 and also deserves attention.

Ms Sudol is a quirky songwriter. Her material is melodically very strong.
She sings with power, conviction and idiosyncratic good humour.

Things kick off in sunny style with the infectious 'What I Wouldn't Do'.
Finger-picking guitar, hand-clapping, whistling - it's all in there
chugging along and creating an irresistible party mood.

Many of the songs are really lovely. 'Happier' is a bitter-sweet little
piece of perfection. So too 'New Heights', a richly layered composition
with one of the finest vocal performances on the album.

'Electric Twist' stomps along beautifully with its delicious bass-line
pushed well forward in the mix just where it belongs.

'Blown Away' is a raucous piece of magic. The killer chorus blew me away !

'Bird Of Summer' is a beguilingly simple construction shot through
with mercurial flute, luminous piano and driving percussion.

'The Beacon' again demonstrates what a terrific singer Ms Studol is.
The voice is rich and sure and very exposed in a marvelously warm
arrangement for piano and brass. Stunning.

'Swan Song', however, is the album's heart and soul. Simply sublime.

Thankyou once again Mr Mole. 'Bomb In A Birdcage' is yet
one more musical experience to add to the list of the
very best that we are likely to hear this year.

Essential.

I loved The first album 'One Cell In The Sea' and was a little worried that Alison Sudol might not manage to live up to my expectations with the second album. Should have known better and trusted her boundless talents, love this one just as much, it is different, quirky and fun, and I really look forward to seeing her live as the support for Owl City (not sure if we will stay through his set though...) at Sheperds Bush next Sunday, 9th May 2010.