PJ Harvey White Chalk

CD review by Sterling Preston

With White Chalk, PJ Harvey sets down the rock guitar and learns to play piano. But don’t be discouraged by the alleged disappearance of her usual raw electric power. Simply put, it hasn’t gone anywhere. This album retains the elements of intensity and near-awkwardness that draw us to the music of Polly Jean, not to mention lyrical treats like “I lay on the bed/Waste down, undressed.” The title track is so hauntingly beautiful that its sound alone stings your sadness in all the right places. For the iPod culture: “When Under Ether” manages to be a rock song even without the traditional guitar/bass/drums combo.

Island Records PJ Harvey Website:
http://www6.islandrecords.com/site/artist_home.php?artist_id=303

MySpace
http://www.myspace.com/pjharvey