BERTIE BLACKMAN – SECRETS AND LIES
Welcome to Bertie’s world. If the infectious pop of the flawless single Heart is what led you to her door, beware; for stepping inside Secrets and Lies is akin to stepping inside the wardrobe – there is a whole other world in here. Album number three see this Sydney songstress expand exponentially. While the catalyst was a purchase of MS-20 keyboard and the teaming with producer Lee Groves (Goldfrapp, Gwen Stefani), those elements only go so far as to explaining Secrets and Lies. Boldly opening with the dark and dreamy atmospheric The Sky is Falling it is not until half way through the second track Thump that Bertie lets loose (Stefani-style). But the scope of this album is such that no two tracks can be lumped together. Inspired by Radiohead one moment, Kate Bush then next, then there is Laurie Anderson, Bjork, there is even a hint of Pat Benatar in Come to Bed! There is not a weak moment here as Blackman creates an album that should launch her beyond these fatal shores.
****
