Album Review
Anna Meredith - Varmints
4 StarsVibrant and kaleidoscopic in a way few musicians could ever muster.
Few musicians boast a CV quite like Anna Meredith. From composer in residence of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to collaborations with everyone from Laura Marling to The Stranglers, hers is a mixing bowl overflowing with all manner of seemingly disparate ingredients. It’s a wonder that ‘Varmints’ tastes as sweet as it does.
Channelling those classical influences down all manner of different routes, Meredith’s magic lies in the golden thread that sews it all together. Whether it’s the jarring, mind-melting cacophony of opener ‘Nautilus’ and its avalanche of horns, or the slick, honeyed pop of ‘Something Helpful’ or ‘Dowager’, her finest composition is the way ‘Varmints’ never feels piecemeal. Vibrant and kaleidoscopic in a way few musicians could ever muster, it provides a jolt of energy and inspiration to both the pop and classical inflections of Anna Meredith’s personality, bridging the two worlds like never before and marking her out as a talent like no other.
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A brief look into… Anna Meredith’s ‘FIBS’
Ahead of the 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize, we’ve taken a brief look at the twelve shortlisted albums.
21st September 2020, 12:00am
Anna Meredith shares ‘Killjoy’ video
Taken from last year's 'FIBS' record.
29th July 2020, 12:00am
Sports Team, Charli XCX, Stormzy all shortlisted for 2020 Hyundai Mercury Prize
Kano, Georgia and Porridge Radio have also been tipped for the prize.
23rd July 2020, 12:00am
Anna Meredith - FIBS
4 Stars
Joyous stuff.
24th October 2019, 7:58am
With Bob Vylan, St Vincent, girl in red, Lizzy McAlpine and more.