ALBUM REVIEW: "Perennial" by Vera Blue

I remember clearly how astounded I was while hearing Celia Pavey's rendition of Simon & Garfunkel's "Scarborough Fair" on The Voice back in 20-something, and thinking to myself that I should keep an eye on her music after the show finished. For whatever reason I completely forgot to do that, and her debut full-length under musical moniker Vera Blue Perennial is the first thing I have heard from her since. It certainly wasn't at all what I was expecting, and while it certainly was an interesting and unpredictable listen the first time around, for the most part I was underwhelmed by the blend of sleek, dreamy electronica Pavey is now dealing in. Had I listened to her previous EPs and guest spots this wouldn't have been a huge surprise, but she has pretty much entirely shed her shy folk vibe for a strident, slightly run of the mill auto-tuned Flume-fest. I honestly feel like Pavey's strongest asset - her voice - is lost to the swelling, wobbly synths and drum machines, and overall Perennial feels a little directionless. There are a number of great songs, though, and a strong sense of melody carries through the run time rendering even the not so good tracks completely singable, something that has to commended. Overall it isn't really my cup of tea, and I was frustrated by the lack of personality in the vocal deliveries, but there are enough bangers and crooners to keep most more than happy.

Favourite Songs: Give In, Said Goodbye To Your Mother, Magazine and Fools

Least Favourite Songs: Private and Overachiever

Rating: C+

What did you think? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments! To stay connected follow thatmusicnerd on Facebook, and my personal Spotify (Jonty Cornford) and Cymbal (jonty98) accounts.

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