Josephine Foster - Graphic as a Star (Album)

Josephine Foster has constructed a career out of the gloriously weird. Her track record thus far includes a children’s album, reinterpretations of 19th Century German standards and a dabble with frazzled acid-rock. Her latest release is a characteristically singular project which sees her setting the poems of Emily Dickinson to a minimal folky backing. As you might expect, the record is not a particularly easy listen, but it’s mostly worth the effort. The barely-there instrumentation puts the focus on Foster’s arresting voice which flutters and gently soars. Her obvious vocal talents are highlighted more by her restrained delivery, as she skilfully sidesteps any temptation to warble. Graphic as a Star is clearly a beautiful piece of work, but sometimes unrelentingly so. The result is akin to the effect having the heating on for too long: You’re toasty warm, but a bit sluggish and drained. For this reason, this is the archetypal late night album, tailor-made to lull you into a deep and cosy sleep. I’m not sure if this is what Josephine Foster or indeed Emily Dickinson intended, but, hey, in these stress-ridden times, the arrival into the public domain of anything this soothing should be welcomed.

3/5