[Jake.]

Fetch The Bolt Cutters Review

I’ve never listened to a Fiona Apple track before (let alone a full album), so I jumped into this really not knowing what to expect. I’ve given FTBC a few listens now, and one thing I do have to praise her for is just how unconventional the album is. It’s clearly been produced at her home with a minimalistic production and for certain tracks, it really does work; you can feel the anger and raspiness in her voice during the chorus of Newspaper (an album highlight) and the almost 50’s-ness of Rack of His/Ladies really does compliment her vocal style. Whilst I don’t think she possesses what I’d call great vocal abilities, I have to commend both her songwriting and uniqueness when it comes to making her music; Using random utilities around the kitchen to create the sounds of instruments is pretty inspired and not really seen nowadays.

But then there are just some parts which I don’t feel go down well - Her dogs (I assume they’re hers, anyway) barking during the latter half of the title track.. Ok, not sure why? The weird, almost dolphin-like noises she makes at the end of I Want You To Love Me.. Again, not quite sure what that was attempting? Both Drumset and On I Go are pretty weak compared to the middle of the album and Relay feels like lost potential - what are pretty good versus and buildups are followed by a chorus which is so repetitive and annoying.

When FTBC hits, it hits, but I feel that some of it is probably just a bit too experimental for my taste.

Average/Mixed: On I Go, I Want You To Love Me, Relay, Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Good: Under The Table, Drumset, Cosmonauts, Shameika
Great: For Her
Amazing: Newspaper, Ladies, Heavy Balloon, Rack of His

Album Rating: 6.5/10