Since 1992 Tori Amos has been releasing albums every couple of years or so. So now, on album twelve, has anything changed? Well yes, nearly everything in fact. Breaking with tradition, she's not recorded this one with her usual band members, instead opting for a new bunch of classical musicians.
This album has been released on Deutche Grammophon, which is rather interesting as they usually release classical music albums. Although 'Night of Hunters' isn't a million miles away from a classical music album. It uses lots of traditionally classical instruments with piano leading and a very strong orchestral sound backing it up and is that an oboe I hear?!
But really its Tori's voice that is the highlight on the album. She has a very light, sweet voice with which to sing some rather dark and gothic lyrics. What I love about 'Night of Hunters' is that the songs are very much in an English folk style. Each song telling a story, usually of love, loss, ghosts, coffins and other fantastical things.
There are many highlights on this CD. My personal favourite track would have to be the album opener 'Shattering Sea”, which sets up what's in store for the rest of the album.
Comparing this album to anything else is difficult as this album is so very unique. Having said that I guess the album does evoke memories of PJ Harvey's album 'White Chalk', the strong female presence and leading piano.
The only negative thing to say would be that 'Night Of Hunters' is not really one for the masses, I don't expect Radio One to be plugging it any time soon. But this album is so good I don't think it'll need any help. It's a beautiful sounding album, even without the lyrics it would probably sell well as a classical album, but then of course you wouldn’t have Tori's incredible voice.
I would really recommend this album but I better say this won't be everyone's cup of tea. If you are already a Tori Amos fan, I would say expect something a little different. If you aren't a Tori Amos fan, give this album a try and you soon will be.
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
This album has been released on Deutche Grammophon, which is rather interesting as they usually release classical music albums. Although 'Night of Hunters' isn't a million miles away from a classical music album. It uses lots of traditionally classical instruments with piano leading and a very strong orchestral sound backing it up and is that an oboe I hear?!
