Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on November 2009
Little Sister
While her previous band, Ash, has always been hit or miss, Charlotte Hatherley’s solo credentials are impeccable. On her third release she sounds bolder than ever, delivering ten slices of ice-cool, grown-up pop. From sublime opener “White,” New Worlds is awash with creative basslines, carefully crafted arrangements and lush production, realized in collaboration with her lauded guitarist and producer Luke Smith. The album twists and turns, with post-punk guitar lines or upbeat glam grooves peppered just where you’d least expect them. The acoustic intro to “Alexander” gives way to a quietly epic chorus, all spacey guitars and arresting melody, while the minimal keyboard waltz of “Firebird” casts a theatrical spell. This is an album you could spend years unraveling: like the best moments of Radiohead, Bowie or XTC, atmosphere and melody are given equal billing to create a detailed universe you just won’t want to leave.
