The question with a new Beth Orton album is always: what is the share of electronics within her so-called "folktronica" this time? Over the years, those portions have varied from roughly a quarter (on Daybreaker, in 2002 her biggest commercial success, or on 2016's Kidsticks) to zero (on 2012's Sugaring Season). The disadvantage of the latter mix is that this leaves only Orton's charming folk-pop.
Beautiful, but with a certain tendency to dullness. Unfortunately, this tad jazzie follow-up to the pulpy Kidsticks also suffers from that flaw. When the British singer-songwriter (b. 1970) then also sounds tired, as particularly in the last few songs of Weather Alive, listening becomes almost a task. Fortunately, there are at least as many beautiful songs on the other side, but only Fractals really stands out. A neo soul piano, Alabaster DePlume's saxophone and a fine dose of synthesizer provide Beth Orton's music with just the right spice mix. (RME)more
