I didn't seek out the new album from Aldous Harding, Designer, at first because I thought it might be too austere and stark. And while those adjectives can be used to describe some of what's here, it's worth noting that 4AD doesn't sign just anyone. And when they signed the singer from New Zealand, they were sure that her stark and austere, as well as lush and elegant, form of art-rock was one that would be a perfect fit for the label.
While the title cut here, and "Fixture Picture", both have a nice sort of easy charm about them, the simpler "Treasure" suggests a debt owed to Sandy Denny. If Aldous Harding is not entirely drawing from a folk tradition on all of Designer, she has clearly been inspired by Denny, as well as the solo albums by Nico, especially those produced by John Cale. "Heaven is Empty" is positively elegiac with Harding's vocals creeping in so stealthily that a listener can nearly feel the words as they land, while "Weight of the Planets" is lovelier, a delicate amble through territory that's part-chamber pop and part-indie. John Parish (PJ Harvey) used a light touch when he produced Designer so as to allow Harding's vocals to take center-stage. That approach is one that guarantees that any bit of unnecessary adornment, or anything that would distract a listener from the power of the voice of Aldous, is gone from this release.
Designer is out now via 4AD.
More details on Aldous Harding via her official website.
[Photo: Cat Stevens]