Nowadays, ‘fem-pop’ (not the heart surgery) seems to have a ubiquitous presence. From this pop plethora it is difficult to distinguish original from replica, or quality from ‘shite’. The competitive field consists of acts such as Feist, Emiliana Torrini, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and Laura Marling, to name the stronger contingent. Seeker Lover Keeper offers an impressive new addition to this crowded category. Considering the seasoned calibre of the Australian trio, Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann, and Holly Throsby, the end result is hardly surprising.
Throughout, the three border on drowning each other out vocally; such is the individual presence of each figure. Nevertheless, the record is mostly balanced and strong in the vocal department. The beautiful harmonies on "Bring Me Back", "Bridges Burned", "On My Own" and "Going to Sleep" highlight this. Furthermore, the album is versatile in its styles, ranging from the percussive piano balladry of the vulnerable "Even Though I’m a Woman", to the catchy choruses of "Light All My Lights" and electro-pop "Rely On Me".
In spite of the album’s tonal beauty, there are moments of insipidity, particularly when they try to pick up the pulse, as on "Everytime". Although, this uplift is more successfully achieved on "Theme I", a wonderfully haunting and percussive track in which the line, "If you’re a seeker lover keeper" is chimed. Moreover, "We Will Know What It Is" and "If The Night Is Dark" offer little in the way of interesting material.
Often Seeker Lover Keeper appears to be on the edge of falling into a trite and inundated sound, yet somehow avoids doing so. Whether it is Blasko’s distinctive voice, Throsby’s piercing lyrics, Seltmann’s song-craft, or just the sum of these parts, the record is a solid sample of pop in its many forms, with the odd blip here and there.
MP3 Stream: "Rely On Me"
