Far - EP

Album Review

Unless you're Danish, Far is probably your first extended listen to Tina Dico. The singer and songwriter's early work made an impression in her home country, but it wasn't until she took the position of "Designated Hazy Sexy Vocalist" on Zero 7's 2004 effort When It Falls (most notably on "Home") that the world took notice. Far doesn't distance her from the downbeat arc — "Warm Sand" would fit nicely on a Zero 7 record, from its light electro-acoustic wipes to the chorus that rises like an Ibiza dawn, and the gorgeous "Let's Get Lost" builds from dusty personal reflection to a full-blown swirl of synthesizers and surging vocals. Still, "Break of Day" and "Back Where We Started" are probably closer to Dico's heart. "Day" is a mature folk-pop number with a plaintive chorus hook, suggestive of someone like Jem but uniquely Dico at the very same time. The latter takes the proceedings down to just an echoing voice and acoustic guitar. It shows off Dico's admiration for Joni Mitchell, but also her talent for perfect vocal phrasing. (Check out the way she bookends the more conventionally soulful chorus with lines that stutter or repeat in unique ways.) Far is remarkably dynamic for such a brief release, and sets up nicely what should be a strong a full-length.