Stunning second album from Rufus Wainwright's sis
The Wainwright clan have an interesting way of resolving family disputes – Loudon Wainwright wrote Hitting You a song apologising for smacking his daughter, Martha's response was the slightly more direct Bloody Mother F***ing Asshole. Seeking to escape the shadow of her famous family, this brilliantly-titled second album wrestles with a wider cast of lovers eager to screw you over.
Her voice is both raw and rich in texture with echoes of Polly Harvey (In The Middle Of The Night), the untethered vocal flights of Kate Bush (Tower) and the country pop of Stevie Nicks (So Many Friends). Only opener Bleeding All Over You has an instant melodic hook, the other songs – a cute cover of Pink Floyd's See Emily Play aside – take a while to grow into. But after a few plays the dark emotions pull you under their spell.
More to try:
Fiona Apple: Extraordinary Machine
Kate Bush: The Kick Inside
Stevie Nicks: Bella Donna
Lucinda Williams: West
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