Album Review: Aldous Harding - Designer

New Zealand’s Hannah 'Aldous' Harding returns with her third LP, her second on indie label 4AD. Intricately layered, wistful and unassuming, Designer has obvious nods to '60s British and Americana folk plus contemporary influences from Sharon Van Etten, Cass McCombs and Joan As Police Woman. However, it is Harding’s knack for making everything sound new, fresh and interesting that makes album three something special. 

Lyrically engaging and produced with a less-is-more approach, each song seamlessly flows into the next and although the album satisfies as a nine-part play, there are plenty of individual highlights to satisfy during a short commute. Standout tracks include the stirring opener Fixture Picture, lead single The Barrel (please see the music video which accompanies the song), and Weight Of The Planets, but it’s Zoo Eyes which masterfully demonstrates Harding’s vocal range and skilful musical arrangement. Lavishly layered with a full horn section and flute (or is that recorder?), it still sounds minimalist and stripped back.

Designer really demonstrates Harding at her best and cements her as a standout musical talent with a record that will surely appear on the year’s best albums lists.