Released Date: 15/11/2010

Released On:    The Library Recordings

Mmm, pop tarts. Chocolate ones were always the best, with strawberry a close second. The marshmallow ones should have been good, but weren't. Leni Ward is one of these new fangled electro-pop tarts (nice link- Ed), in the style of Ellie Goulding and Bat For Lashes. and her album Hope is something of a concept album, based on the break up of her seven year relationship. One thing that sets Leni apart from the rest of the pack is that she wrote, recorded, produced and performed every note and beat on this album herself. Try that yourself, Cheryl Cole. You can't, can you? You can't do anything that your marionette strings don't allow you to do.

Mini-rant over.

After seven years, you'd expect an album of sheer depression, misery, heart-wrenching soul searching. Much like a musical version of an episode of Eastenders. Instead, the album is remarkably upbeat, optimistic, and (hence the title) full of hope. Much like a musical version of an episode of Coronation Street. Oh wait, they're all going to die aren't they? A musical version of an episode of Sesame Street then, minus vampires. She's already got the backing of the better DJs in radio world, the likes of Steve Lamacq, Nemone and Lauren Laverne, and she's already played T In The Park.

It's a finely produced piece of work, with more polish than Mr Sheen's kitchen. "One Last Time With You" is an electro dream, punting La Roux right in her stupid hair. Lyrically it's a bit sad, given the subject matter: "Now we're down to a handshake from my nails down your back." It's an emotional opener, and a solid way to start the chronological order of the post-break ritual up that the album details. "I Want My Heart Back" is the icy retort (over a delicious beat) with evocative lyrics. "I will swap you your t-shirt for my heart back/I want my heart back 'cause when you had it, my chest was empty and my hands were cold." This guy/girl sounds like a right succubus.

"Opening Doors" is the exploration of possibility, suitably matched by the playfulness of the beat. "And now that I'm free, I'm going out dancing."


Don't go to Tiger Tiger, it's shit.


"I'm Climbing Up Mountains"is utterly catchy; if I were a girl I'd probably reach out to this in times of need, while not quite at a singing-into-hairbrush level, it subtly demands attention. But then if I were a girl, I probably wouldn't get out much. "Getaway Car" is along similar lines, not quite as catchy but still engaging in an introspective way. "The Watcher" (not a Dr Dre cover) is almost eery, with its more intricate backing, as Leni scans every crowd for the face. It's very much like Bat For Lashes, which is no bad thing.

"I Will Rise" is remarkable. No instruments, just Leni's voice, which needs no instruments to convey its emotion. It's simply stunning, with moments of true beauty.. "Cassandra" is again Bat For Lashes-esque, a modern day ode to the Cassandra of Greek mythology who was a prophet never to be believed. "The Hunted" has a wicked, dark undertone, and symbolises anger (I guess the opening line of "I have dreams of hunting you down like a rabid dog" kind of gives that away). Despite the handclaps, there's a synth bass line that is pure evil, and must have 666 somewhere about its person. "The Beat Inside" is the reflection. "We could have been good/We could have been great, but I can't stay around when I've got nothing to say." It's not as strong as other songs, but then maybe it's because the reflection isn't as strong an emotion as the anger.

"You Love For A Living" strangely reminds me of Lily Allen, even though it's not her style of music, the lyrics are somehow reminiscent of her. The song is filler more than anything. "The Future" is exactly what it says it is, the uptempo finale to see the album out on a good note.

In a strange way, it's a very enjoyable album, highlighted by strong production, lyrics and some powerful songs. With any luck mainstream radio will get wind of the singles and get Leni some exposure, as she certainly has the talent to back it up.

8/10

Posted In Album Reviews, Nov 18 2010. Words - Paul