Tamara Schlesinger
Album: The Procession
Label: Tantrum
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.tamaraschlesinger.co.uk/

Probably best known as the lead singer from 6 Day Riot, Tamara Schlesinger has released a solo album and from the opening number, it's easy to see why she's made that decision as it would be impossible to see "The Procession" as a project with that band. This is not an up and at them, almost a gig on a disk type recording, this has more in common with the likes of the Cocteau Twins that 6 Day Riot.

It's an album that really showcases Tamara's voice, both as instrument and conveyor of message. The songs are built in an almost orchestral way, adding layer onto layer to form a wall of sound around which the vocal weaves and spirals to add the textures.

"The Procession" feels very much like a song cycle, with each one, taking an element of its self into the next number, to be adapted an moulded into a new piece, giving the whole a sense of being, whilst giving the individual parts their own identity and pace.

There is also a very spiritual feel to the album. Whilst there is no direct comparison there were times when the album felt like it was tinged with a gospel spirit, well maybe more of an African praise singing touch. It's not just the choir like elements, it's the way Schlesinger gives them spirit.

This is an album that it's difficult to pick out the stand out songs, though "My Home" does set its self aside as the exception to the rule. Not that that casts "The Procession" as a one trick pony, far from it, it's a highly dynamic album that revisits the likes of This Mortal Coil and Dead Can Dance and gives it a slightly folkier, more spiritual sound.

Tamara Schlesinger has delivered an album that she can be really proud off. In the right mood this is one of those albums that will take very few substitutions, but it's not an album for all occasions and that's not a bad thing, so much better to be a master, or mistress, of one. Thoughtful, reflective, chilling, enlightening, that's more than enough for me,

Neil King