Tiger Suit
Recorded at Hansa Studio in Germany where David Bowie’s *Heroes* and U2’s *Achtung Baby* were also recorded, *Tiger Suit* is a technically thrilling album based on layers of sound and brilliant electronic manipulation. Tunstall, the Scottish folkie, is again completely vanquished, as on *Drastic Fantastic*, and a booming art-pop singer takes her place. “Uummannaq Song” jags in several different directions as the rhythm section’s cruise control goes delightfully awry. “Glamour Puss” is more cityscape glitz and champagne fizz. The whistling is perfect. “Difficulty” throws together some distorted and fuzzed-out guitars. “Fade Like a Shadow” goes for the quick pop hook. “Lost” turns into a space-folk tune with backing vocals bouncing between galaxies. “Golden Frames” tramps by with a cosmopolitan blues that sounds both desperate and seductive. “Come On, Get In” ramps up the tempo. “(Still A) Weirdo” and “The Entertainer” are the tracks where she sounds like she’s finally landed on earth for a breather before heading back into ozone.
Drastic Fantastic -- the spangly attempt at pop stardom consolidation -- didn’t catch on like it should have, but KT Tunstall doesn’t quite beat a retreat on its 2010 sequel, Tiger Suit.
When given the opportunity, Tunstall manages to showcase that she’s actually a damn fine singer.
I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting much from KT Tunstall’s third solo album, Tiger Suit.
KT Tunstall's calling her new direction "nature techno". Whatever it is, Charlotte Richardson Andrews reckons it hits the spot
Plush soundscapes and multi-tracked vocals in KT Tunstall's 'Tiger Suit'. Rating: * * *