With the Irish singer songwriter clique having now had their defining D4 moment, what better time for Ann Scott to finally release her debut album? Those looking for a relaxed acoustic stroll, however, may find themselves presented by a more challenging prospect than many of her contemporaries.
Produced by Scott herself and Karl Odlum, Poor Horse ventures down a variety of musical paths, all of them inhabited by a succession of shadowy and twisted characters and images. Scott’s cracked, velvety voice is central to the whole thing, adding further character to songs already steeped in the stuff. The lack of obvious melodies and catchy choruses may offer nothing to endear her to the casual listener but any degree of effort on behalf of the listener will be amply repaid. That fellow troubadours Margaret Healy, Nina Hynes and Alice Jago should appear also comes as no surprise but Poor Horse sees Ann Scott place herself firmly at the head of the pack.