(One Little Indian/Creative Vibes)

Former Sneaker Pimp gets medieval on our ass…

…which is not to suggest Kelli Ali has adopted a particularly violating approach in her music. On the contrary, Rocking Horse is Ali’s most peaceful, tranquil record to date, combining acoustic instrumentation with medieval-inspired melodies and a sense of the ethereal, enhanced by Ali’s sweet and haunting vocals. Producer Max Richter has a contemporary classical background and produced Vashti Bunyan’s 2005 comeback album Lookaftering, which makes him an ideal collaborator on these wispy and whimsical songs. Those familiar with Ali for her vocals on seminal trip hop tracks with Sneaker Pimps and the dark electronic pop/rock of her previous solo work are in for a surprise, but a very pleasant one. The Savages is a gorgeous madrigal-inspired track, Heaven’s Door is a lush and lilting ballad, while Urique adopts dreamy ambient qualities with understated flute, piano and Ali’s vocals at their purest. The pastoral-psych hybrid of The Incredible String Band is explored in the exotic title track, while Flowers builds slowly over its six minutes like a gradually rising piece of classical music. These are quietly majestic pieces that require, and reward generously, the listener’s attention.

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MATT THROWER 

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