KT Tunstall is a sparkling new songwriter with Chinese blood, a Scottish heart and a father for a physicist who used to take her to the observatory, is what fuelled the name of the album ‘Eye To The Telescope’. The songs examine and explore intimate situations or relationships of humans. This album is about getting a telescope and focusing in on very specific elements of human experience, like a conversation between one and another person. It’s almost like an alien has been sent to get emotional samples from human beings and put it all together on a record.

Spending about ten years to get where she is, singer and songwriter Tunstall dishes out a folky, grunge, pop all together. Assisting her on the album were U2/New Order/Happy Mondays producer Steve Osborne at the helm, along with Andy Green (Keane). Standouts would surely be Another place to fall, Miniature disasters and False alarm that have memorable moments.

While she does sing about love, the peppy Black Horse and the Cherry Tree was inspired by listening to a lot of old blues, a kind of emotional gamble. You’re in a situation and you kind of have to make a decision how to behave because really you could… you could be good or you could be bad.The opening Other Side Of The World is about a long distance relationship and the sacrifice one has to make to be with the other.

The tradition vocals of classic celebrations Rikki Lee Jones, Carol King and Fleetwood Mac, bring out KT’s unique perspective offerings in a rare emotionally connecting intensity through it’s gripping lyrical bite and heartfelt melody. Her voice, easy guitar strumming is neat and catchy at times, gelling with a polished voice that can be imitated anytime. This can be seen in the upbeat and catchy Suddenly I see to the slow ‘Stoppin the love’.

The young active KT shows off her musical skill by playing the piano, guitar, shelltone and percussion. In her young days she also played the flute and gradually her singing voice developed its earthy individuality. After moving around for quite some time, KT had her own bands off, honing her tastes with an ambrosial diet of James Brown, Lou Reed, Billie Holliday, Johnny Cash and PJ Harvey, from where she takes licks of musical ideas. The slow side is made up of Silent Sea and Universe and U.

The production on the project is slick enough but it is clear that Tunstall and her team have managed to catch on. Though not a repeat play immediately after the first listen, the album is a good pick for a slow ending evening, for the most striking thing about Tunstall is her clear strong voice. Chances are you may just like it.

Rating: ****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira