There's always something oddly concerning about an artist who, around the album three mark, announces an artistic reinvention, as Tamaryn has done with 'Cranekiss'. Whereas her previous album, 2014's glacial 'Tender New Signs' shimmered as it was driven by powerful guitar tones atop a solid rhythmic foundation, 'Cranekiss' is, in spite of the press releases claims to be a wider, bigger, album, in point of fact, simply a gaudy synth-pop record.
Yet Tamaryn's emotive vocals have never sounded better. They sweep and swoon throughout, providing a perfect melodic focus. It is, though, questionable whether the relative relegation of guitars, in favour of layer upon layer of synths and atmospherics, has been successful, or whether it was even necessary at all.
Having seen the global acclaim afforded to CHVRCHES and other such acts, it is perhaps unsurprising that tracks such as 'Hands All Over Me' bear more than a passing resemblance to Scotland's surprise sleeper hit. Everything is present and correct in this song: a huge beat, a pulsing bass-line, a gripping chorus, competing melodic synth hooks, a swelling crescendo that takes the whole of the song to realise its inexorable aim. Perhaps, though, that's where the problem lies. It's all too frustratingly predictable, seeming to grasp for an attention cruelly not afforded to Tamaryn's previous releases.
'Last' redeems things quickly. A gorgeously breathy vocal draws in the listener as swathes of processed piano swirl around. Suddenly we're in Tamaryn's world and it seems like the only place that it makes sense to be. Sadly the effect doesn't last. 'Collection''s ricocheting percussion and skewed guitars make it impossible to focus on the vocal performance from Tamaryn, and the spell is broken. For every hit on this album, sadly there is, all too soon, a miss just around the corner.
Artistic development and risk-taking is to be applauded. With risk, though, comes the possibility of mis-steps. Sadly, here, this is what it feels like Tamaryn's done.
6/10
Words: Haydon Spenceley
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