A Stunning Songwriter
Once you've heard Martha Wainwright's music, it's impossible to classify her as just being Rufus Wainwright's sister ever again; her voice seems to wax and wane like the moon and appears able to carry any emotion you've ever dreamed of in a sultry refrain.
'Far Away' has a dreamy, ethereal quality resonant of Kate Bush about it, with lilting "oohs" and "aahs" of the backing chorus sweeping along like a spring breeze down the verdant hills. 'G.P.T' is a little more off-kilter and charismatic with a charming piano backing track and rich, soaring chorus. 'Factory' shivers with the fragile power of great American songwriters like Bruce Springsteen would could capture the spirit of a place so perfectly, but Martha does so in an airy tune that seems so simplistic with its twinkling piano and minimal chiming guitar.
'These Flowers' shows off the kind of pensive preciousness of songstresses like Tori Amos, "These flowers are coming up wild/ They are like those children that go off to school and don't come back." The simplistic arpeggiated guitar in the background makes the most of Martha's tender vocals with deep male vocals adding more texture in the brief chorus refrain. 'Ball and Chain' shows the vigour that Martha's voice can also embody, vitriolic and driving, it's an infinitely powerful number that spits sparky guitar notes and smart guitar licks in its angry path.
'This Life's bitter motifs of suicide are countered by the breathy, mellifluous tune that seems to full of passion and honesty. When you have a family as extraordinary as Martha's, a song about your father called 'Bloody Mother F***ing Arsehole' isn't maybe quite so odd, or not as odd as the bright, fierce, empowering sense of the tune itself which burns with subtle power. 'The Maker' rocks fiercely along with the careening style of a folk song on rough seas and added vocals from brother Rufus. 'Whither Must I Wander' shows off the fragility of Martha's vocals and classic operatic beauty that she can evoke.
The special edition album may only offer three new tracks, but they're certainly great enough to charm the fans. 'Bring Back My Heart' is a long-awaited duet with Rufus, its soft, stirring tones tremble beneath snippets of embittered howling electric guitar and violin. 'Baby' is a fickle, crazed number with vocals that leap about all over the place with robust vigour and sincerity. 'Dis, Quand Reviendras-Tu?' shows off the elegant haziness of Martha's voice that makes you melt under the flowing cascade of gallic lyrics.
Martha Wainwright has an amazing ability to express herself honestly and powerfully through her songs in a way that silences and amazes the listener and this album should definitely be added to any conscientious music lover's collection, especially with the three stunning bonus tracks on this special edition version.