Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea

Stories From the City, Stories From the Sea

Polly Harvey says she aimed for “absolute beauty” on her most upbeat, direct record yet. She’s certainly been reinvigorated by a love affair but that doesn’t mean her edges and explosiveness have been dulled. A simple drums-bass-guitar set-up carves the melodic lushness and “This is Love” declares its carnal desires with a dopamine rush of blues-punk, while “Big Exit” wraps the insecurities of love in a buzz of dual guitars and counter-melodies. Don’t expect a happy ending either: Thom Yorke duet “This Mess We’re In” is gorgeous but heavy-legged with impending trouble.

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