Being a young, female, retro-styled popstrel, the comparisons of Paloma Faith with acts such as Amy Winehouse and Duffy were inevitable. However Paloma’s impressive CV (ex-magicians assistant, burlesque dancer) and her powerful, quirky vocals distinguish her from the pack.

BY KATHRYN MCCANN

Perhaps it is her history as an actress, but on listening to the album it becomes clear that Faith has that rare ability to portray the emotions of the story through the tones in her voice. This enables her to play at the confident, independent female in the attitude filled ‘Smoke and Mirrors’, while switching to the remorseful, and exposed in ‘Broken Doll’ and ‘My legs Are Weak’ and adding a touch of comedy in asking is ‘Romance Dead’? The old style influences are displayed through the brilliant orchestra arrangement which accompanies Faith’s vocals on each track. Most notably on the upbeat and catchy ‘Upside Down’ and the circus extravaganza of ‘Play on’ while the clever, tongue in cheek yet emotional lyrics of the title track also demonstrate that Faith is more than just a talented vocalist. Although Faith thus far has chosen to release ‘Stone Cold Sober’ and ‘New York’ as singles, this is an album with no fillers and there are many songs here which would make very successful releases.

Faith herself described the album as a ‘record to transport the listener away from our heavy reality’, and I feel the magical album does accomplish this, with only the sickly sweet ‘Stargazer’ letting the side down.