Emiliana Torrini – 'Fisherman's Woman' (Rough Trade) Released 31/01/05

December 09, 2004 by Holly Ferguson

The best things come along when you are least expecting them and Emiliana Torrini is definitely one of them. By all indications 'Fisherman's Woman' shouldn't be this good, you know if you judged records by their names and front covers and all. However, one bar in to the first track 'Nothing Brings Me Down' you get that moment of unexpected joy, at last a female vocalist who wouldn't fit snugly on a compilation CD for Bridget Jones fans, made to accompany a big bottle of white wine and a super sized Dairy Milk.

Emiliana Torrini hails from Iceland, a country renowned for its rich music scene which includes haunting post rockers Sigur Ros. Her acoustic guitar meanderings are just as poignant; however, these accomplished compositions are accompanied by evocative vocals reminiscent of the likes of ex-Belle and Sebastian member Isobel Campbell and, occasionally, Nina Persson from the Cardigans. Closing track 'Today Has Been OK' is a heartbreaking lament that makes you want to put the album on repeat.

'Fisherman's Woman' is a mellow record that never gets above a calm guitar crescendo and has some suitably laid back percussion thrown in. Second track 'Sunnyroad' is probably one of the most sonically accomplished songs on the whole album yet it is also the record's lowest point because it errs too closely to middle of the road. However, don't let this put you off, Torrini's UK debut is a blessing to female nu-folk and will be a winner for indie purists everywhere. A perfect start to the New Year.

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