LOUISE CONNELL - Clients Of Suddenness

Despite chart success in Scotland (a third place) and in England (twelfth among best-selling vinyl), Louise Connell doesn't boast a large following on streaming platforms or social media, which may be one of the reasons for her limited recognition beyond British borders – her previous output, released under the alias Reverieme, is likewise little known and has no ratings to speak of even on Rym.

Her third album, "Clients Of Suddenness", is a potential treat for all lovers of sophisti-pop, and there are plenty of reasons why. The album's ten tracks offer just as many good reasons to dig into Louise Connell's new record. Her voice, clear, melancholic and seductive, has all the qualities of the finest folk singers ("Squall"). The balance between electronics and songwriting frequently recalls the velvety sound of Blue Nile ("The Machine"), while a naive poeticism evoking the early albums of Kate Bush is also perceptible ("My Agincourt"), and it's rather hard to resist the precious, unmistakable touch of drummer Mark Brzezicki (Big Country, Pete Townshend, Procol Harum) on "All The Smartest People", or the pleasant echoes of Deacon Blue found in "Awakenings".

Many co-stars contribute to the album's success, such as sound engineer Paul McGeechan (Love And Money) and Graham Skinner of Hipsway, the latter featuring in the elegant pop-rock duet on "Build At Home". Equally noteworthy is the presence of James March as the cover artist, yes, the very same artist who made the album covers of Talk Talk iconic, so it's no surprise that the influence of Mark Hollis and co. surfaces here and there ("Indentation Of Life").

"Clients Of Suddenness" is another clever example of mature pop that never overplays its hand ("Pieces Of Me"), multifaceted and not without bold arrangement choices ("Diseases Of Control"), but above all never lacking the disarming candor that allows Louise Connell to never mistake elegance for tedium ("The Truth That I Suppose").

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06/04/2026