Album Review: KT Tunstall, Wax

A few years ago, critically acclaimed tunesmith KT Tunstall had a bit of a crisis of faith. After forging a successful side career writing songs for movie soundtracks, she considered packing in the day job altogether. Happily, new opus Wax gamely affirms that she’s put that period of self-doubt well and truly behind her. Not only is it something of a love letter to the album format, it’s also the second of a planned trilogy of LPs.

Co-produced and co-written with Franz Ferdinand’s Nick McCarthy, and boasting guitar from long-time collaborator/ex-Ash member Charlotte Hatherley, the 11-track effort features some of Tunstall’s most vital music to date. Though Wax’s second half is weighed down by too many meandering ballads, the opening section makes the experience worthwhile. First track ‘Little Red Thread’ is an enjoyable mash-up of new wave and Tango In the Night-era Fleetwood Mac, and ‘The Healer (Redux)’ is a robust rocker that tips a cap to Tom Petty’s ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’. Elsewhere, synth-pop stomper ‘Human Being’ is similarly impressive, while ‘The Night That Bowie Died’ is a fine tribute to the fallen Thin White Duke.
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6/10