(Kathryn Williams Presents...)The Pond
Album: (Kathryn Williams Presents...)The Pond
Label: One Little Indian
Tracks: 11
Website: http://thepondmusic.com/

Having joined forces with Simon Edwards (ex-Fairground Attraction) and Ginny Clee (Robert Plant/Robyn Hitchcock vocalist), British folkstress Kathryn Williams broadens her palette with this lively, invigorating venture out of her apparent comfort zone.

Firmly rooted in the acoustic tradition, there's so much more going on here beside happy strumming and lovely harmonies. Circle Round a Tree creates a loping beat and vocal refrain that cries out to develop into a round (it doesn't, but you know it could), The River buzzes with a dark under current while kasbah pop skits across the surface, Art of Doing Nothing is sunshine pop for a balmy afternoon and Memory Let Down speaks to the shadows the bright lights must create.

Eastern tones, 60s girl group pop, TV themes, even a rapper (on Bebop) add texture and flavour to a richly rewarding album that will take a few listens to finds its place, the result no doubt of the involvement of Portishead's Adrian Utley whose sophisticated mix allows the composite parts to work their way to the surface, emerging without trumpet or fanfare.

Nick Churchill
www.thegranvillechambers.co.uk