KT Tunstall - Tiger Suit

In promo interviews for this, her third long player, sing-a-long-pop-with-substance songstress KT Tunstall has talked of her desire to repeat the success of 2004’s smash hit Suddenly I See. Sadly, though, there’s nothing quite so immediate on her latest offering. Which is a shame, because Tiger Suit is far more accomplished than both her hit-encrusted but inconsistent debut Eye to the Telescope and its 2007 follow-up Drastic Fantastic.

An 18-month hiatus has resulted in a record containing both her trademark earthy melodies and folky guitar, but mixed to great pop effect with dancy, disco stomp and clever keyboards. Opener Uummannaq Song – conceived in the Arctic where she joined Jarvis Cocker and other artists for a song writing camp on a global theme – is a treasure, as is the out-and-out radio blast of Fade Like A Shadow or the more reflective (Still A) Weirdo. Like all great pop, Tiger Suit doesn’t take itself too seriously, but completely refuses to be in any way throwaway or disposable – a lasting achievement. [PJ Meiklem]