Originally published on L.S. Media. June 20th 2012.
L.S. Media Rating *****
If you want something done with oodles of style, panache and that little something extra, then the best bet is get involved with Sandi Thom and watch and listen as she creates something extraordinarily beautiful.
For that is exactly what you get with her brand new release, Flesh and Blood, which is due to be released on August 27th. Not only do you a get a female musician who can put many others to shame with her incredible voice but you get the real, the raw and the playing of the recklessly abandoned and she is able to get under the belly of every music beast she wishes to with her sensational soulful voice.
The Scottish singer/songwriter’s success must surely come from the obvious fact that she writes directly from her own heart and with more than enough passion for ten musicians of the same genre. This is Ms. Thom’s fourth album and even on just one listen, of which in all honesty will not be the only time you play this outstanding record on the day you purchase it, it will stand out that its quality and stature are immediately to be heard and the generous and exquisite vocals are an absolute dream.
The album also benefits from the use of Black Crowes’ Rich Robinson as its producer and on songs such as I Owe You Zero, the single Sun Comes Crashing Down and the devastatingly brilliant I See The Devil In You, the scope and overwhelming epic nature of the tracks are allowed to flourish and become essential listening.
Perhaps the stand out track, lyrically, is the fascinating I Love You Like A Lunatic, which gives the endangered species of music vulnerability a fresh and resounding massage for which frames the album and gives it that magical raw appeal.
At no point should this album be entered into lightly, it should be approached armed to the teeth with enough passion as you can muster to match the intense feel that you will derive from listening to it.
An absolute stormer!
Flesh and Blood will be released on August 27th 2012.
Ian D. Hall