Torres - Silver Tongue

Following the modest success of ‘Three Futures’, her departure from 4AD and enlistment with Merge Records, the last three years have proved, according to a recent interview, a cathartic experience for Torres’ Mackenzie Scott. ‘Silver Tongue’ represents an act of renewal in some sense, an entirely self-produced release that finds her piercing through the gauzy gusto layering her previous work to reveal a blistering mash-up of quirky keys, tearing guitar and bold drums - more nimble and ethereal than ever.

She soaks each track with the fluid dreaminess touched upon in earlier output, brought to the fore and spun in a ghostly web of glitchy synth, vivid examples of which include the spectral ‘Two Of Everything’ and the chugging throb of ‘Good Grief’. Flashes of Cocteau Twins and ‘Hounds Of Love’-era Kate Bush often peer through; sonic nods that aren’t in any way glib or intrusive, allowing space for Mackenzie to liberally stamp her sound without sacrificing originality. Re-emerging with off the grid mystique, Torres retains the grit of past efforts while doubling down on off-kilter charisma, securing a slick slice of alt-pop; her most complete and consistent yet.