Sarah Nixey

Former Black Box Recorder vocalist Sarah Nixey’s solo debut is a record of contrasts, divided as it is into a dancier first half and an introspective second. Part one shimmers with complete confidence, submerging elements of Björk circa ‘Debut’, some light Ladytron, and early-’80s electro into the frosty calm of Nixey’s measured vocal, particularly on the alluring past single ‘Strangelove’. Later, ‘The Collector’ reveals a wave of vulnerability; a song which admits an addiction to a sinister impossible love described. The songs on ‘Sing, Memory’ are made all the more affecting by the crisp English accent that defined Sarah in her Black Box Recorder days. This unerringly self-assured record proves that she’s much better off on her own.

Laura Snapes

7 out of 10