Many who would see that this self-titled album by Brigid May Power came out on the acoustic guitar-oriented label Tompkins Square will be mightily surpriesed by this one. Not that there is no acoustic guitar sounds, even inspired by John Fahey on this one. This actually a vocals dominated album. The name of composer and pianist/vocalist Peter Broderick, who produced this one, might give another clue. Then you can throw in Power's proclaimed love for the music of Johni Mitchell into the mix, although her voice leans more towards Cocteau Twins singer. In essence, something like semiacoustic music for shoegazers.
If you don't know much about Brigid, don't wory, not many people do, unless they are a thorough daily readers of "Irish Times". To get to this album Power went one of the "usual" routes of from Ireland to London, to New York, and then Portland to team up with Broderick. It seems that Portland and North West have something to do with the music produced on this album, you constantly have the feeling of clouds (another Joni Mitchell comparison?) and clear sky exchanging places constantly. Broderick made sure that the instruments are subdued and give Power's voice space to breathe, not only because of its quality, but because Power writes some excellent lyrics. Prime example is aptly titled "I Left Myself For A While", with its shimmering instrumentation, strumming acoustic guitar and Power's voice to the fore.
On the whole, Bridgid May Power might have come out of the blue, but she is definitely going places.
