ROSALIE CUNNINGHAM

To Shoot Another Day (Esoteric Antenna)

Rosalie Cunningham’s third album To Shoot Another Day is a collection of well-crafted, perfectly executed, and above all imaginative songs which could be the missing link between two apparently incompatible music styles: glam rock and prog. Stylistically, the material is sophisticated pop-rock, albeit incorporating a wider range of musical elements; where previously, Cunningham has carried her late-era Beatles influence to the fore, on To Shoot Another Day she invigorates her prog rock leanings with a vengeance.

From the opening chords of the title track’s thematic 007 Bond overtures, through to the closing notes of The Premiere with its melodramatic Latin themes, To Shoot… shimmies and prances in all its glorious wit and whimsy. It’s also an exceptionally well-recorded album, featuring analogue sound reproduction that is powerful, organic and detailed, suiting the music perfectly.

Besides the songwriting, what prevails the most is in fact the musicianship. Cunningham surrounds herself with outstanding players, adding a punch of virtuosity to the music and creating an atmospheric resonance you wouldn’t necessarily expect to hear. The highly eclectic nature of the material makes for an engaging and varied listen throughout as the album ebbs and flows: as a listener, you’ll have to be open-minded, and willing to embrace whatever the band throws at you. A perfect example of what art-pop, glam rock and progressive rock should be.

words COLIN PALMER