Convoluted and bloated as todays charts are its always nice to know you can slip off the mainstream at some junction and find something of appeal that doesn’t necessarily have to come from a major label to give you a seal of quality (and even that is debatable with the majors). This week I have been listening to “Magic & Madness” a promotional album by Anne Garner that is presently only available on eBay.

As a singer/songwriter it would be easy to make comparisons with others of that ilk (Kate Bush, Tori Amos) and there is no denying that Anne’s vocal stylings share certain qualities with her forebears but that’s no bad thing and as this collection of songs shows she has adopted these elements to her own style.

What you have here is a collection of eight songs that move between genres with a great deal of subtlety. Blending elements of popular, classic, folk and a pleasing sprinkling of electronica that brings an interesting shine to the songs (Skool Leavers being one of the best examples). A consistent factor with this album lies in the production behind it. The songs are brought to life courtesy of a very organic layered production style that serves to blend strings, flutes, piano and on occasion vocal loops in a very naturalistic way. The shimmer of electronica never overpowers or makes its presence felt inappropriately. Essentially a careful balance has been struck and if anything this is what the album is about.

Vocally the performances are delivered with a mixture of touching gentility and when called for a heightened defiance. It all makes for something of an ethereal experience that really draws the listener in. On occasion the gaps between songs are the one thing that serve to “bring you back” (listen to Sometimes and Unbind and especially Phone and you’ll see what I mean).

In conclusion Magic & Madness is one of those albums that you’ll give yourself kudos for buying early when everyone else buys it later. First rate stuff.

The album is available now on eBay, have a wander over and run a search for ‘Anne Garner’.