"Leni Ward - Body

By Russell Barker

While there's nothing particularly groundbreaking about what Leni Ward is doing, it's gratifying that she's out there doing it and on her own terms to boot. This record was pretty much recorded and put together by Leni and as we work through the album you'll see all the usual reference points for a contemporary female songwriter.

'Mary' starts off like the X Files and then turns breathy and spooky, like a more palatable version of Imogen Heap. 'Burn' is ponderous and slightly ominous, the circular vocal line proving fairly haunting. On 'Not Up To It' the electronic drums clatter gently as Leni tiptoes through a sparse tune. 'My Heart' is lovely, a mere pulse of a tune coupled with some electronic exhaling, this all builds to give the feeling of a tune being resuscitated. There's many things here you can imagine soundtracking a million US TV dramas, but 'My Heart' especially. 'Power Cut 84' sounds despairing, while album closer 'These Are My Catechisms' with its acapella synthesised vocals is again very Imogen Heap like.

It's a good album and one that could go far if it falls into the right hands."