Canadian indie songstress Feist has a lot to prove. Her former album works were little known, if not mostly unknown in the mainstream, but her latest effort THE REMINDER settles a testament that indies do have the power not just to shine, but literally sparkle. And what a superb album this is. Comprised of 13 amazingly arranged tracks, which are all gems of fine cut and precision, this is perhaps one of 2007's must-own album.

Feist's subtle and seductive voice graces her songs with utter serenity. From the album's opener "So Sorry", it conveys a message that this collection of songs are not for the indifferent. She combines her folk music with alternative and pop-rock, with beats that are difficult to resist: the eccentric yet excellent and successful "1234" is a perfect anthem to teenage freedom and nostalgic memories. "I Feel It All" justifies her playful melodies, and "My Moon My Man" is a superb upbeat. Yet there are also low-key, and beautiful indie synths nevertheless, in the likes of "The Park", which is cleverly recorded with white noise in the backdrop as though it was actually recorded in a park, "The Limit To Your Love, and the sweeping "Brandy Alexander".

This is just an excellent album to listen to, and by this, Feist has reasserted her talent once and for all. Even The Times agrees that "she one of the best female artists working today". It's this collection of 13 songs that will surely stay reverberating in your head.


VERDICT:

Passionate, subtle and masterfully rendered, Feist sings throughout 13 of her songs without signs of weaknesses. A brilliant female artist giving us a brilliant album. It even sounds effortless.

Best Tracks: 1234, I Feel It All, Brandy Alexander, The Park, How My Heart Behaves


RATING: A-