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Album Details

• Artist: Isobel Campbell
• Album: Amorino
• Label: Instinct
• Year of Release: 2003
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: jparker on 2003-12-06

My enduring memory of Isobel Campbell: standing singing on the stage of the Queen Elizabeth Hall in Vancouver with Belle and Sebastian, her left hand pointing upwards for more vocals from the sound man. With that band, as with this new solo album, her voice ranges from barely audible to slightly above conversational level. And though she may not have a strong voice in the traditional sense, her music is well-matched to her delicate, poetic sensibility. I wouldn't think that she left Belle and Sebastian out of artistic differences - becuase none of these songs would be out of place on their albums. Strings, accordions, banjos, mellotrons, and keyboards accentuate the guitars, bass, and drums. There's even a harpsichord in the title track, recalling the baroque psych-pop of The Left Banke. This album is more pop than rock - the upbeat "Monologue for an Old True Love" is carried along by kettledrums and a restrained rhythm guitar, reminding me of the '60s "studio soul" of the brothers Walker or Righteous. These are jazz and classical musicians, not rock musicians. "The Cat's Pyjamas" starts out mysteriously, with sampled movie dialogue, then segues into 1920s barroom jangle with banjo - this is Isobel rocking out! "Johnny Come Home," "Love For Tomorrow," and "This Land Flows with Milk" are most reminiscent of Belle and Sebastian, with strings intertwining with pretty melodies. Her lyrics deal with searching, longing, and regret, and only occasional joy. Amorino has a sadly sweet, fall or winter mood. Isobel's breathy phrasing and naive vocals may be an acquired taste, but this album is undeniably charming.

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