Infinite Worlds, Laetitia Tamko’s first album under the moniker Vagabon, led to global recognition, a world tour and a performing career worth leaving the day job for. But success often comes with struggles and Tamko’s latest efforts see her grapple with the after-effects of such a change.
Thankfully, her fears over what the future held gave way to creativity, and this record sees her embrace a more stripped-back approach. Her leaps as a producer are clear, especially on Home Soon and lead single Flood, which includes a foot-tap-inducing drumbeat and poppy chorus. But you can’t help wishing she had pushed the sound experimentation a little further.
In ditching the guitar-led indie vibe of her first Vagabon album, Tamko has lost some of the punchiness that came with it. Don’t be fooled if it feels like a laidback listen, though.
The poetry of Tamko’s lyricism is evident from the first line — “Our bodies lie unresponsive but kind” — and rarely lets up. The closing track, Every Woman, is defiant and nods towards the rise of the #MeToo movement as it rounds off a record that unexpectedly feels like a fresh start.
