Going 15 albums strong, North Carolina singer Tori Amos is back with another compacted 13-piece record that is sure to wriggle its way into the most inner parts of your very soul. Native Invader sees the 54 year old artist reunited with her trusty piano and supplies the foundation for a soothing experience that transports the listener to a far away place whilst still reflecting a multitude of key issues within our own societies.

Native Invader is filled to the brim with detail, each track holding its own little something purposeful and unique to supply fresh sparks to the listen throughout. The strong lead of a piercing guitar through ‘Cloud Riders’ keeps the underlaying piano feeling interesting and, when combined with Tori’s hazy sobering vocals, produces a song which flutters eloquently and really hits home. There is no doubt that Tori irrefutably feels most comfortable during the album’s piano-led numbers, both ‘Breakaway’ and opening track ‘Reindeer King’ inject an airy feel which Tori’s voice bounces off of beautifully, the result being immensely moving and truly making you feel every raw lyric just as they were intended.

Tori has always had a habit of introducing a number of new aspects to her music with each respective release, and Native Invader is certainly no different. ‘Up The Creek’ shines light on a far more upbeat break in the record’s pacing, which sees a wave of overlaying synthesised effects and bewitchingly layered vocals form together to produce a listen which I can see many being drawn to. The track does however also see a charming, integrated demonstration of the artist’s sheer talent through an exceedingly intricate piano solo which makes for one of the album’s incredible peaks. Meanwhile, ‘Mary’s Eyes’, the finale of the record, acts as a colossal send off by which the culmination of instrumentals and impact from Tori’s voice generates a final flourish of colourful, emotional delicacy.

Perhaps just one or two tracks don’t quite make their mark or feel somewhat longer than necessary, but not in such a manner that it deters massively from the overall listen. All in all Tori’s calmed, soothing vocals carry the record to such a great extent, it makes the record feel immensely personalised and tailored directly to the listener. Tori’s hushed tones provide a great deal of charm to her overall demeanour, however, it would be fantastic to see the occasional power ballad as she certainly has the potential and control to reach just that little bit more ‘oomph’.

Overall, Native Invader is a remarkably solid addition to Tori Amos’ career, beginning yet another enticing and engaging chapter in the artist’s life. Tori has found a terrific way to reflect on the issues of climate change, family struggles and everyone’s favourite president through not only a marvellously unique sound, but in a way that is cultured, concise and most of all, beautifully written. I can definitely see Native Invader being an album that older fans of Tori’s music will find enticing, whilst new listeners will still be able to truly melt into the eclectic nature of Tori Amos’ wonderful mind. This is certainly an album to keep on tap and cosy up to on a drizzly day.

Ben Walker

Website: toriamos.com
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