(Independent)

A surprising new sound from the “punk rocker with flowers in her hair”

Listening to this album, I had to throw away any preconceived ideas I had about what music by Sandi Thom (of I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker fame) might sound like. Merchants And Thieves is a complete genre jump, with Thom trading pop for a more bluesy sound, occasionally crossing over with soul, gospel and country. Maggie McCall launches the album with an intense beat, rhythmic tambourine and strong vocals. The Sadness is one of several tracks that really lift the album, featuring lively piano with a smoky jazz feel. Title track Merchants and Thieves is purely instrumental and seems to not quite fit with the rest of the album. Ghost Town is a bold move that works well- a stripped back ballad with haunting vocals. Thom’s duet with Joe Bonamassa This Ol’ World is another standout track with its powerful energy. The album shows off Thom’s surprisingly wide vocal range and a hint of unexpected potential.

VICTORIA NUGENT

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