Amy Studt
Chasing the Light
Friday 7th of March 2008
By Steve
Released on 21st April, 'Chasing The Light' is Amy Studt's first physical release since 2004 and the four intervening years have made all the difference.
In fact, you'd do well to disregard the history and start afresh with this record, which is exactly what Amy did when she supported Razorlight under a psuedonym. 'Chasing The Light' starts off like Paula Cole, bordering on subdued and with a colourful rhythm. The song then ramps it up for an Amos-spanks-Lavigne chorus, perfectly showcasing one heck of a voice.
It's not quite pop; there are clearly influences as diverse as Sisters of Mercy and Siouxie Sioux mixed into the chorus and with the hint-of-jazz verse, it's never going to sound entirely like a pop song. The lyrics also have imagination and depth - unlikely bed fellows indeed for an out-and-out pop hit. The sum of all these parts, though, is eminently chartable; more so than 'Misfit', which is Amy's highest charting single (to date!).
Yes, there are quite a few off-the-wall arty female figureheads that could be responsible for the kind of music on offer here. However, where Amos or Apples might deconstruct suddenly into an inaccessible section of overstated artistry, Studt breaks into a sudden guitar-chorus with guts. I know what I'd rather have in my stereo any day of the week.
Official Rating
We rated this record 4 out of 5.
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