★★★★
Melody Pool’s poetic-but-straightforward storytelling shoots through each track ofDeep Dark Savage Heartlike the strong core such a bold title suggests.
Her vocals guide the listener through scenes vivid and personal; there’s absolutely nowhere to hide with this collection of unblushing vignettes. After 2013’s The Hurting Scene, Pool hits on some more vulnerable notes as a perfectly raw follow-up.
Every climb and fall on this album strikes with an unhinged sincerity; each moment of reverberated ambience allows for the more intense emotional climaxes of standout tracks ‘Black Dog’ and ‘Love, She Loves Me’ to create a balanced and fulfilling jaunt through the album’s 11 tracks. The hints of keys and tremolo give as much atmosphere to this album as the full band does the more immediate points; the orchestration lifts and accents effectively, then humbly steps aside where appropriate. And when things are pared back, an acoustic Pool sits centre stage in tracks like ‘Better Days’ to show strength, beauty and maturity in such simplicity. The common threads of depression and loss don’t take away from each song sounding distinctly different.
And don’t be fooled – catchy, poppy choruses swing up and shine, as the album surges forth optimistically despite the pain.
Melody Pool’sDeep Dark Savage Heartis out now on Liberation.
