Beth Orton @ El Rey Theatre

Previewed for LA Weekly:

Beth Orton at the El Rey Theatre

The six-year absence since Beth Orton’s last release has only whetted appetites for the comedown queen. Tucker Martine (The Decemberists) brings out Orton’s country-girl side on SugaringSeason–it’s the most personal Orton has ever sounded, and it generates the most visceral response. Keeping the instrumentation spare and separate, Orton’s distinct, hollow tones scratch and soothe in turns. Her intentional waver on “Dawn Chorus” makes her sound vulnerable, which carries through on the folk-y plucks of “PoisonTree.” Tears are around the corner, spurred by the brushed drums and Orton’s own choking delivery on “Something More Beautiful” and the intimately revealing “Candles.” It’s not all a sobfest: “See Through Blue” has a carousel-like rhythm, while “Call Me the Breeze” sets you up for a hoedown.

Watch the video for “Magpie.”