Basia Bulat – Tall Tall Shadow
Canadian singer's third album is a radio-friendly blend of folk and pop
Over two collections, Montreal’s Basia Bulat has carved out a name as a folk singer of some repute. Album number three pays lip service to the genre title, opening the door to poppier arrangements, a bit more experimentation and 10 tracks with more immediate payoff than we’ve previously heard. Bulat’s voice is soulful and to the fore of each of the songs, which are arranged tastefully and minimally, giving the lead instrument space to breathe.
Promise Not to Think About Love – Latin-infused and danceable – recalls stellar Swedes Wildbirds & Peacedrums at their most AM-friendly; while stripped-back, ukulele-led It Can’t Be You showcases Bulat’s vocals at their loveliest. The sadness at the heart of the record (inspired by the loss of a loved one) is most apparent on the introspective Paris or Amsterdam. The odd flat misstep aside (The City With No Rivers) this is a solid, tuneful affair, dominated by a beautiful voice.