(Spunk)

Third album from wondrous singer/songwriter, recorded in Nashville with various guests.

Holly Throsby has always been one of the more interesting characters lumped in the “singer/songwriter” genre, her confessional, literate and inventive songs miles away from the uninspired chin-stroking earnestness of many acoustic guitar toters. Throsby’s last album, 2006’s On Night featured lyrical observations far beyond her years and subtly rich, oaky instrumentation. So, the follow-up was going to have to be good. Don’t worry, it is. A Loud Call, recorded in Nashville with Lambchop associate Mark Nevers, is another absolute corker, effortlessly veering from bright folk pop (A Heart Divided) to sparse, almost ambient acoustic laments (On The Wharf) to plaintive balladry (A Widow’s Song). The likes of Bonnie “Prince” Billy, as well as members of modern Americana heavyweights Lambchop and Silver Jews add their rootsy touches, but it’s Holly’s show all the way, her superb lyricism and distinctively halting, breathy voice taking centre stage.

****

MATT THROWER

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