PJ Harvey returned in 2011 with her 8th studio album and yet another reinvention of her sound. Yet again the Dorset native does not merely retrace steps she has taken in the past instead preferring to venture into unexplored territory.
This is a concept album of sorts dissecting events and behaviors leading to and during the First World War. At the same time these stories are heavily linked with modern-day England painting a very bleak picture for the future. While she is careful not to make any sweeping generalizations her disappointment at the state of affairs is more than evident.
Remarkably for an album with such a dark lyrical foundation ‘Let England Shake‘ remains incredibly accessible. Polly Jean‘s vocals are majestic throughout and the songwriting is incredibly focussed. By dwelling on past events she has reignited her creative spark once more.
‘Let England Shake‘ and its reflections deserve to be broadcast for generations to come placing its composer at the forefront of alternative music. Period.
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