Bertie Blackman- secrets and lies
January 23rd 2010 01:59
After being blown away by Bertie Blackman at the Falls festival, I was keen to explore more of her music. Her recently album "Secrets And Lies" has received some great press over the back end of 2009. But upon the first few listens I was a touch disappointed with the overall product. Expecting the ferocious sound she delivered at Lorne, I was bit let down to find the album very polished and softer in sound. In the end, the beauty of this album is that it grows on you. The more you listen the more you begin to appreciate Bertie Blackman's sound, and now looking back in relation to her live performance, I have a greater respect for her art.
There's no denying that Bertie Blackman has a strong voice. She be soft and shy to loud rock chick without missing a beat. Her use of simple but effective instrumentation and effects fills out her beautiful voice and lyrics that allow the songs to grow and breathe ('Lust And Found', 'Town Of Sorrow'). When Bertie does pick up the pace, the songs are catchy and infectious ('Heart'). Bertie has managed to create a strong album where her influences are noticeable but are never a direct rip off. For me I can sit hear elements of about half a dozen strong female singer/songwriters through out the songs ranging for Bjork to Australia's own Sarah Blasko, to alternative queen PJ Harvey and Patti Smith through to the rawness of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O. (look at tracks like 'Valentine' and 'Byrds Of Prey').
What you get from "Secrets And Lies" is a great album that slowly creeps on you. It is well worth the persistence to give this one a few spins before judging.
There's no denying that Bertie Blackman has a strong voice. She be soft and shy to loud rock chick without missing a beat. Her use of simple but effective instrumentation and effects fills out her beautiful voice and lyrics that allow the songs to grow and breathe ('Lust And Found', 'Town Of Sorrow'). When Bertie does pick up the pace, the songs are catchy and infectious ('Heart'). Bertie has managed to create a strong album where her influences are noticeable but are never a direct rip off. For me I can sit hear elements of about half a dozen strong female singer/songwriters through out the songs ranging for Bjork to Australia's own Sarah Blasko, to alternative queen PJ Harvey and Patti Smith through to the rawness of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's Karen O. (look at tracks like 'Valentine' and 'Byrds Of Prey').
What you get from "Secrets And Lies" is a great album that slowly creeps on you. It is well worth the persistence to give this one a few spins before judging.
bertie blackman's secrets and lies
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