PJ Harvey, Is This Desire? (Island)
Around the time To Bring You My Love came out, Polly Jean Harvey expressed restlessness with the restrictions of "rock 'n' roll." This is a common symptom of many ambitious artists - one that leads either to failure in excess (Prog Rock, for example), or groundbreaking success. Given what she said, I expected her new music to be a psychedelic kaleidoscope of musical experimentation. What she produced was something more akin to a stark black and white photo, featuring mainly two textures - quiet, acoustic-driven ballads, and songs laced with electronica, but maintaining a harsh edge. The songs do not unfold as immediately as some of her older, catchier work, causing the fickle and impatient to abandon ship. But repeated listens reveal an intense, enduring and cohesive statement that moves laterally rather than leaping forward. The biggest change is her move from first person narrative to third person fictional. Like all great fiction, these stories are told with passion and conviction, leaving no doubt the inherent truths embedded in them. Highlights include the sweeping emotions of "The River," the quietly powerful "Catherine" and the subtle beauty of "The Wind." "Angelene" might be an affectionate tribute to her musical soulmate and ex-lover Nick Cave. Even "difficult listening" songs like "Joy" and "The Sky Lit Up" are vividly memorable. Is This Desire? cements PJ Harvey's status as one of the most vital musical artists of the 90s.
