Album Review: Emma Pollock

Album Review: Emma Pollock - Watch The Fireworks (4AD)

( There was, as you may imagine, much joy when an advance copy of Emma Pollock's solo debut album arrived on the mat at 17 Seconds towers. Three listens later, I have this to say:)

Emma Pollock's debut builds upon the excitement and sheer joy of her solo gigs and first two singles to arrive and confirm that they were no fluke. As first single 'Adrenaline' ably demonstrated, the keyboards take much more of a role here than they did on the five albums she made leading The Delgados, and the rush of erm, Adrenaline that the opening arpegios of that song triggers is replicated across this eleven track album.

The Delgados were much loved by those who heard them, and second single (and indeed second track) deals with her feelings of dealing with the break-up of that band (the other three members of which she still runs seminal Glasgow record label Chemikla Underground with). 'Acid Test' with its' edgy, nervous guitar lines is perhaps the most reminiscent of that band, in a good way, but she has surely moved on and produced a record that must surely win her new fans in her own right. Likely next single 'Paper and Glue' and the gorgeous 'Limbs' are amongst other highlights on this record, which is a truely addictive listen. Stunning live track 'The Optimist' closes Fireworks. Her skill remains that she can convey emotions without ever descending to cliche or schmaltz. In this world, that's a bloody miracle.

Memorably described by Song, By Toad as 'The High Priestess of the scottish indie scene' Emma Pollock shows here that she can certainly cut it on her own, and this record has been worth the wait.

****1/2

Watch The Fireworks will be released by 4AD on September 17. In the meantime, these two mp3s must be heard.

Emma Pollock -'Adrenaline.' mp3

Emma Pollock -'Limbs.' mp3