New Zealand export Bic Runga not only wrote everything on her debut, Drive, but also played guitar and xylophone, and even served as producer. The result is a lovely first effort that hints at greater things to come. Using her engaging, childlike voice to full effect, Runga mostly ruminates on love lost and found, all within the confines of intelligent adult alternative pop. The arrangements are often sparse, as on "Drive," the violin-laced "Bursting Through," and "Suddenly Strange." She changes the pace a bit on the hypnotic "Swim," with Andrew Thorne adding some edgy guitar, and the country-tinged "Roll into One," a plea for a lover to make his move.
© Tom Demalon /TiVo