Review: Tracey Thorn - Out Of The Woods

Last month I gave you, our dear readers, the heads up on Tracey Thorn (frontwoman for Everything But The Girl)'s new solo project. Last week, I received the promo CD in my mailbox and could not be more excited to give it a spin! I'm thrilled to report that the high hopes I had for this release, were not only met, but surpassed.

In similar fashion to Portishead, it's been ages since I've heard anything from Everything But The Girl. Another semi-permanent-but-unofficial extended hiatus, I gather. Tracey Thorn's last solo venture came out in '82. I guess that would make this album 25 years in the making, right? Well, if that's so, it's been well worth the wait.

Out Of The Woods is the type of album you throw on at 2am on a rainy Saturday evening, as it battles for your attention over loud nearby thunderstorms. It's gentle, beat-driven and stunning. Tracey's voice is as soothing as ever on each of the album's eleven tracks. While some selections go the mellow route, and work just beautifully, the album truly shines when Tracey's voice is intertwined with the pounding basslines, such as the album's first single 'It's All True'.

Other album highlights include the centrepiece, 'Easy' and the gorgeous closer, 'Raise The Roof'. Out Of The Woods will be out - via Astralwerks, next week internationally.

MP3: Tracey Thorn - It's All True