Sound Republic: Album Reviews

Bertie Blackman - Black

Share |

By Em
20 September 2006

Related Artists

Bertie Blackman

Related Albums

Black

Emily Burton quick-fire reviews Bertie Blackman's album Black, on Morph Music.

There’s nothing better than a chick with balls, and Bertie Blackman is surely the epitome of that. A sexy fusion of sultry, husky lounge singer and high intensity rock chick, the comparisons with Blondie and Bjork are frequent. Yet those comparisons don’t do her justice: at just 23, Bertie Blackman has developed an almost threatening, tantalising sense to her vocals. Throw a little raw, dirty rock into the mix and you have a power to be reckoned with.

Two years since the release of her highly-acclaimed album Headway, Bertie Blackman returns with a more mature, searingly honest selection of songs in Black. Within just 11 tracks, there’s ample variety for any listener: ‘One Day’ is Blackman at her most restrained, with just a hint of the fire shown in her live performances, whereas ‘Don’t Give it Away’ is all rock chick, mean vocals and electric guitar. This is a solid second album, consolidating Bertie Blackman’s place as the female solo artist who stands a way out from the pack….and maybe sneers back at them.

This review was also printed in Tsunami Magazine: http://www.tsunamimag.com

Share |