Martina Topley-Bird

It’s been a while (5 years) since Martina Topley-Bird released her gorgeous debut album Quixotic and even longer since she enchanted listeners as the sweet but sussed foil to Tricky’s gruff, world-weary vocals on Maxinquaye. This single is a pretty neat little number built around Martina’s gorgeous voice and a laidback groove that references the 60s girl-group sound without being in awe of the past or simply drawing on aspects of that era’s music in an uncomplicated, nostalgic way. I really like this, its crisp Danger Mouse production and inventive arrangement gives it a series edge over the post-Winehouse wave such as Duffy and Adele while Martina’s voice adds a sense of gravitas. It does sound a lot more smoother and instantly accessible than many of the songs on Quixotic but it has a beauty and charm all of its own. The Van Tech She remix gives the song a high energy makeover without really altering much. Anyway, on the back of this, I’m rather looking forward to hearing the new album, The Blue God, after this delightful little taster.