Annie Barker
Mountains and Tumult
Beautiful Revolution Records

Annie Barker's debut is confident and she has a truly gorgeous voice. Her influences come to the fore as she enlists Robin Guthrie of the Cocteau Twins to produce and play some instruments.

Barker sings actual words rather than an invented language and has more of a pop sound than the Cocteaus did. "Revolutionary Rock and Roll" jokes at Chris Martin's expense even as it lays out a heavenly melody. "Pretty Boy Game" is haunting and celestial as Barker sings sharp words. "Elliott's Song" tenderly pays tribute to Elliott Smith who was taken from this world too soon. Barker's voice reaches the heights easily.

The sexually charged "I Want" cascades wonderfully. Throughout Barker is a singer to pay attention to and her debut is fabulous.

Copyright © 2008 Anna Maria Stjärnell