Aldous Harding – Train on the Island

Aldous Harding's fifth album doesn't deviate much from her winning formula, but there are small flourishes peppered throughout to keep it feeling fresh. The jaunty wurlitzer piano on Venus In the Zinnia gives the song a kaleidoscopic edge, accentuating the disassociative duet with H. Hawkline, like a modern-day Nancy and Lee. Harding's vocal style changes from moment to moment, reaching upper registers on Riding That Symbol, staying measured and melodic on the most personal song, San Francisco, while One Stop runs the gamut from high warbles to low mumbles.

The lyrics are mostly cryptic images open to interpretation ('I'm saving myself by eating rocks' goes just one memorable line), but the arrangements that couch them are superb throughout. Hawkline provides a foundation of bass and organ, while harp, pedal steel and synths give a little flavour to Harding's surreal musings. When she drops notes of personal reflection, like on standouts Venus in the Zinnia and I Ate the Most, it feels like we're getting to know the real Harding. These intimate moments are where the album really shines, and though the layered, considered arrangements are nice, a pitter-patter of percussion, plodding piano chords and a strummed guitar are all you need when the songwriting is this good.

Listen to: Venus in the Zinnia, I Ate the Most