Charlotte Hatherley – ‘I Want You To Know’ (Little Sister) Released 12/02/07

The first release from the ex-Ash axe-wielder’s new album takes a bit of getting used to.  The lead  track starts well, with a Placebo-esque guitar strum leading into quite a funky bassline; but a mere six seconds in, when Ms Hatherley’s singing kick in, the sound suddenly loses all its ferocity.  The vocals sound like they were recorded in an empty museum 2 miles underwater and are totally overwhelmed by the huge drum beat that dominates the track.  ‘Sister Universe’ is less all over the place, but the vocals sound a bit like Hatherley is putting on one of those annoying baby voices.  Final track, ‘Suspiria’ is moderately interesting, yet loses momentum as it drags on at the end. Nice ideas, and interesting style, but it isn’t refined quite yet.