Album Review: Suki Waterhouse - 'I Can’t Let Go'

Having signed to the legendary Sub Pop label last year, Suki Waterhouse settled down to work with producer Brad Cook, whose credits include Bon Iver, Snail Mail and The War On Drugs. The sound of that triumvirate has seeped into her debut album, I Can’t Let Go.

Equal parts Hollywood glamour and delicate English indie-folk, the 10-track offering – though slightly one-paced – has a unique story to tell.

Soaring opener ‘Moves’ boasts a blistering chorus, filled with yearning and desire. ‘Devil I Know’ is a superb slice of country-rock, in which Waterhouse affirms that “back in hell at least I’m comfortable.” The sumptuous slo-mo pop of ‘Melrose Meltdown’ depicts the breakdown of a relationship, while ‘Bullshit On The Internet’ opens up about online trolling and invasions of privacy. The Americana-tinged ‘My Mind’, meanwhile, showcases Suki’s vocal range.

Soft electric guitar riffs surface throughout the album, alongside textured harmonies and some satisfying crescendos. A few more up-tempo moments wouldn’t have gone amiss, but overall it’s a beautifully intimate debut.

8/10
Listen: ‘Moves’