The first release from the Toronto duo
Esthero,
Breath from Another blends a number of musical styles into a hypnotic, and a bit unfocused, potpourri of sound and texture. Consisting of lead singer
Esthero and multi-instrumentalist Doc, who also handles programming chores and production, the basic feel of their debut is rooted in cool, electronic pop with some eclectic twist thrown in for good measure. As a singer,
Esthero has a breathy, smooth delivery residing somewhere between the cool of
Sade and the quirkiness of
Björk. The music is heavy on programming, but also makes good use of horns on several tracks. There's a breezy air to the whole affair on tracks like the jazzy, lounge pop of "Heaven Sent" and the subtle, percussive feel of the Latin-tinged "Half a World Away." The best offerings are "That Girl," which wouldn't sound out of place on a
Swing Out Sister record, and "Country Livin' (The World I Know)," with its lovely vocal melody and gentle keyboard washes.
Breath from Another is too scrumptious sounding to be ignored, even if nothing truly sticks with you after the fact. ~ Tom Demalon