Listening to this album is like flying a kite in a gathering storm: exciting, but slightly ominous. This third LP saw Sarah travel to Sweden to work with producer Bjorn Yttling (of Peter, Bjorn and John) and his influence is impressive. Blasko’s vocals are sensual and vulnerable as always, and Bjorn’s production brings a big drum sound to the record that sounds like far-off thunder, especially on ‘Hold My Heart’ and ‘We Won’t Run’.

Sarah’s songwriting has developed, too. ‘No Turning Back’ sees her experimenting with less traditional melodies and structures, while the raw and aching ‘Is My Baby Yours?’ shows the Blasko of old.

These songs have a mood and a personality that sets them apart from current music without giving the appearance that the sounds have simply been cherrypicked from a particular musical epoch.

Sarah’s music has always had an ethereal quality, and together with Bjorn she has made what will be one of the most interesting and beautiful albums of 2009.

::Vijay Kkurana