New Music Review: KT Tunstall's "Tiger Suit"

KT Tunstall first burst on the music scene in 2004, with her hit debut album "Eye To The Telescope", which featured the popular blues-rock-pop single "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree". From there she took off, releasing an EP of acoustic songs fittingly titled "KT's Acoustic Extravaganza" in 2006 and the pop-infused "Drastic Fantastic" in 2007.

Now the singer-songwriter-guitar player is back with a new album entitled "Tiger Suit".

Was the album worth the 3 year wait? More after the jump!
It's hard to  believe it's been 3 years since KT's last effort, "Drastic Fantastic", which featured Tunstall's signature folk-rock sound as well as more more pop laden tunes, such as the airy "If Only".

Now she's back with "Tiger Suit", an album which takes the signature Tunstall  and adds...wait for it...a  dash of electronic sound. While this may sound like it could a disaster, the sound works quite well for Tunstall, who uses it in smart doses to add emotional depth. Here's my track by track breakdown:

Uummannaq Song-Right off the bat, the album starts with a deep, droning synth note. But then comes tambourine, a wailing folk-like call, and hammering acoustic guitar. And on top of all that, a twangy Southern guitar. That synth note remains, but it's covered by Tunstall's folk sound, and the result is rather impressive.

Glamour Puss-A more dance-inspired song, with electronic beats galore. But it's also got some great whistling, and when one listens to the lyrics, they realize the sound is used as part of a satirical stab at those who live only by image: "Drinking tequila like it's the name of the game...you're relying on your next check". As a result, this track requires some deeper listening to appreciate and understand.

Push That Knot Away-One of my favorites on the album, maybe because it's the one that most strictly blues and rock. A twangy acoustic lick underlies the track and is supported by rolling, marching drums and Tunstall's smokey voice that makes her so great. This one really stands out.

Difficulty-This track starts with another thing that Tunstall isn't necessarily know for: effect-laden guitar that is fuzzy and hard. Soon enough, an electronic beat mimics the guitar. The real stand out, however, is Tunstall's voice. It's full of emotion and manages to rise above the loud sound; it makes me hope to hear an acoustic version someday, where the lyrics and her voice stand out more. Still, the heavy guitar and beat add some great emotion.

Fade Like A Shadow-The first US single (check out the video below), this one features a catchy guitar riff with some xylophone that adds a bit of a pop attitude. It's easy to see why this was chosen as a single-it's catchy, easy to remember, and people can dance to it. Still, it's a great track.

Lost-Right away, this sounds like "Forever Young"'s long lost cousin, with deep synth and simulated harpsichord. The lyrics are great, and Tunstall sounds fantastic. The only problem is that all that is drowned in the electronic sound, which to me makes it end up sounding like a cheesy 80s ballad.

Golden Frames-Dark, bluesy, and just plain awesome. The opening sound is reminiscent of a Tesla coil being fired up, but soon ominous slide guitar comes in and Tunstall's lyrics begin telling a story, making this tune quite folk-y. Added to the track are some subtle male harmonies, which really add to the feel. Definitely my favorite song on the album.

Come On, Get In-A track to get you moving, full of hand claps, "oooooh ooooooh oooooh" backing vocals, and rhythm that refuses to make you stand still. It reminds me a lot of Drastic Fantastic's first single "Hold On", which I also really enjoy.

(Still A) Weirdo-The first UK single, this track seems to a semi-autobiographical account. It's full of echoed whispering, beautiful acoustic guitar, and Tunstall's aching, wavering voice. Great stuff.

Madame Trudeaux-Dirty Southern blues rock, through and through. It sounds like a combination of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan, and it's absolutely fantastic. The guitar is awesome, the backing vocals are sexy, and Tunstall's own vocals are sharp and fun. My 2nd favorite on the album.


The Entertainer-A ballad of sorts, featuring basic rhythmic acoustic, echoed backing vocals, and Tunstall's very smooth voice. A good song, but if feels a bit long.

Bottom Line: "Tiger Suit" is a great success. It takes what's made Tunstall so great already and adds to it in new, creative ways that keep it fresh, interesting, and certainly worth the wait.

Grade: A-