Drastic Fantastic (Drastic Fantastic - KT Tunstall)

Member Name: jensattaur

Product:	Drastic Fantastic - KT Tunstall
Date:	03/11/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Even better than the first album

Disadvantages: Not so keen on the cover art

I am a huge fan of Tunstall's 'Eye to the Telescope', and I have to admit I was slightly worried that the second album would be a bit of a let down. I am happy to say that I was proved completely wrong - 'Drastic Fantastic' is, in my opinion, even stronger than 'Eye to the Telescope', with numerous strengths and very few weaknesses.

In the first place, it is a little bit more folksy and a bit less pop/mainstream than the first album, which for me played to her strengths as an artist, demonstrating that as a musician she has what it takes to produce slightly more challenging pieces. The two tracks that stand out in particular in this respect are 'Funnyman' and 'White Bird'. 'Funnyman' is characterised by the same punchy, enticing guitar rhythm that made 'Black Horse and a Cherry Tree' so addictive. Also like 'Black Horse and a Cherry Tree', the lyrics are unique. I love the fact that Tunstall's lyrics are all distinctive and original, and yet so easy to pick up - she has you singing along in no time.

'White Bird' is somethign different, a very beautiful folk track, which shares a slightly mournful air with tracks from the first album such as 'Heal Over' and 'Silent Sea', and reminds me ever so slightly of Kate Rusby. The guitar picking is stunning, the lyrics unique and interesting. 'Beauty of Uncertainty' make a nice companion to this track, as it shares the same haunting, introspective mood and beautiful guitar work.

Other strong tracks on the album include 'Hold On' and 'Little Favours', both of which are characterised by the same thumping guitar rhythms as 'Funnyman', and 'Hopeless', which is gentler, more reminiscent of tracks like 'Other Side of the World', with a catchy rhythm and lyrics that make me smile.

I highly recommend this album - even if you don't like it better than her first, you will certainly like it just as much.

Summary: Very very very good!