For Curious Tourist, her fourth solo, Leah Callahan pays a tribute to Britpop and renews herself. Releasing on the 29th of April, here’s my review.
CURIOUS TOURIST – LEAH CALLAHAN
No One borrows sounds from Callahan’s post-punk roots when Curious Tourist seeks jazz through warm, adventurous brass and drums. Super, on the other hand, brings forward some sharp riffs, and Ordinary Face elevates a dark freshness with its dance-pop elements. For me, this track is unmissable. It’s followed by another unmissable, Social Climber. Once more, Callahan’s vocals are playing with textures and effects on a spotless and sunny production. The guitars are pushing the song into comfortable dream-pop. Then, Wish takes a detour by adding a tad of folk to the glow of the instrumental All’s Fair In War.
Later, with Duras, I expect it to be the end with its epic feeling and aerial piano. However, it’s actually You Don’t Love Me (No No No) which closes the record with an unexpected reggae rhythm. Another grand way to pay tribute to 80s and 90s hits. It’s Leah Callahan’s heartfelt lyrics and her association with Chris Stern, who notably co-wrote Ordinary Face, that carry the narrative and aesthetics of Curious Tourist. The whole thing breathes a heart-warming and diverse shoegaze. Wonderful!
