Annie
Don't stop
Smalltown Supersound
With this, her much delayed and publicized second record, the hyped indie-pop queen has had four years to work on her sound. Working with her base of producers Xenomania and Richard X, Annie has become more confident on this record and it shows in theory, but not in practice. Tracks such as "My love is better" and "I don't like your band" focus on the more vapid details of pop culture, but instead of being a snide critique, it comes off as hubristic elitism. Conversely, on "When the night" and "Heaven and hell", it all works as best as it possibly could, as Annie's lethargic vocal takes almost exist symbiotically. If anything, working with her is a producer's dream, because the lack of carry in her trademark half-whispered vocals will always be overshadowed by the music. Sadly, this will always stop her from reaching the pop echelon to which the music press compares her. My only advice is: Godammit woman sing from deep down, don't be afraid to get loud! I know you have it in you -- we all do.
- Matt Giordano
