Jasmine van den Bogaerde aka Birdy lingers in the past on Portraits, as she did on predecessor
Young Heart (2021). While last time she was still inspired by the Laurel Canyon folk of the 60s and 70s, this time she mainly looks to the 80s. Indeed, the main inspiration this time seems to be
Kate Bush, with the same drama and swaying (synth) pop Birdy goes about her business. Although some of the songs,
… such as Raincatchers, do lay it on very thick, the singer manages to lay down a compelling and nostalgic collection of songs with her impressive voice and tasteful synthpop production. The heartbreak that her previous album revolved around still seeps through here. Birdy thus manages to put an emotional spin on the album and proves her creativity once again (JvQ).more
