Imogen Heap As Ethereal As Ever On Third Release
Ellipse showcases sophisticated arrangements and Heap’s iconic voice.
Imogen Heap
Ellipse
Released on Aug 25, 2009
Now, I’m sure the following statement will make some people shudder, but back when The O.C. was first starting out in 2003, it seemed to be the show to be on if you were an indie artist. Between the Phantom Planet theme song and the myriad of bands that actually played on the show (including Rooney and Modest Mouse), The O.C. circa 2003-2005 was where it was at.
Perhaps the most memorable success story from that is Imogen Heap. While she had released two albums (one solo and one as part of the duo Frou Frou) before showing up on The O.C. soundtrack, she wasn’t yet synonymous with ethereal electronic sounds like she is today. Thanks to the show’s use of her haunting song “Hide and Seek,” she was no longer obscure.
Flash forward approximately five years, and Imogen Heap is releasing her third album Ellipse. While the album begins cautiously enough, the sound swells appropriately, making for an interesting climax near the end of the track listing. Heap may not have changed much, but she does play a little bit with different feels on each track, and this experimentation—however slight—is both welcome and successful.
“First Train Home” is the first track and single off Ellipse, and it is full of her signature electronic playfulness and vocals. Critics have compared her to the likes of Kate Bush and PJ Harvey, but while listening to nearly every track on Ellipse, I was struck by just how much of a signature her sound has become. For only having released two other solo albums (with the first being largely unnoticed), it’s quite a feat to have already carved out a distinct and unique sound. Unfortunately, when one is used to the cinematic quality that “Hide and Seek” possesses, this song falls flat. It’s nice, but it’s not incredibly interesting.
“Wait It Out” begins to add interest due in large part to the lyrics and harmonies. She sings about the frustrating adage “time heals everything” and questions about what to do with herself in the “endless in-between.” It may seem trite, but when it’s sung against her own vocal harmonization, strings, and great beats, it rises above that classification.
As far as standout tracks are concerned, “Tidal” and “Canvas” may be in the lead. “Tidal” has the most beautiful opening out of all the tracks, with almost painful-sounding strings during the beginning seconds. The lyrics on “Canvas” are stunning though, as Heap finally admits during the chorus that she “can’t find the strength to hold you up/and keep you taut.”
Ultimately, Ellipse becomes an overall solid album—if there’s any criticism to be levied, it’s that she may still be playing it a bit too safe. But when that artistic discretion yields something this melodious and gorgeous, “safe” suddenly starts sounding like a great thing to be.
High Point
I’m going with “Canvas” for the win here. The simple lyrics cut to the core of a difficult situation—when one person realizes they don’t have the energy to hold the other up.
Low Point
Considering her success with crafting the sound she already has, I think she could experiment even more and have something otherworldly to offer listeners.
Posted by Alyssa Vincent on Aug 27, 2009 @ 6:30 am
