AMERICAN singer-songwriter Chan Marshall, better known as Cat Power, has often been described as the queen of sadcore. Nothing on her 10th album Wanderer will dispel that moniker. However, there’s a strength resonating within her collection of indie-folk and blues, which repeatedly favours atmospherics over the bombast.
Lana Del Ray makes an appearance on Woman, a timely ode to feminine determination, while Marshall even covers Rihanna on Stay. But the finest moment is the sparse jazz-inspired track In Your Face, complete with delicate piano.
A major criticism of Wanderer is the constant tone. It never raises beyond easy listening territory, ultimately making it a less interesting record than 2012’s Sun.
Josh Leeson
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
