What's the time Mr Wolf?

Welcome to the first in a series of ‘track-by-track’ features, where one of our fabulous scribes previews a highly-anticipated release in the music world. We kick things off with the fantastic Imogen Heap, who kindly agreed to let us talk about the tracks on her forthcoming second album Ellipse, which drops on 24th August.

For those not familiar with Imogen Heap, Ellipse is a great place to start. Renowned for her vocoder effects and synths, her sound is one of purity and mystery. Magical and capturing, every track is individual and incredible.

1. ‘First Train Home’ – An atmospheric fusion of vocals and synths that is true to what we have come to expect from Imogen Heap. A slightly more accessible side to her sound that has single written all over it.

2. ‘Wait It Out’ – On first impressions, is this the new ‘Hide & Seek’? Angelic and atmospheric harmonies, like gentle footsteps, “time heals everything”.

3. ‘Earth’ – More upbeat and lively with familiar vibes of ‘Dear Jessie’ by Madonna but a credible unique musician’s take. Simplistic and airy.

4. ‘Little Bird’ – Like it’s title is timid and natural, with sweet and melancholic melodies that reflect the more obscure and thought provoking side to the album.

5. ‘Swoon’ – a pop injection in the album, a love song with a positive vibe that soars and bubbles under the surface. Tumbling whirly gigging melodies; “My world begins to dance”.

6. ‘Tidal’ – An orchestral intro that bursts into guitar melodies and strings, blended with electro vibes. Pure vocals that echo tidal shapes and develop into more positive and lively melodies that pulsate into rock melodies at the end. Probably the rockiest Imogen Heap has ever experimented with.

7. ‘Between Sheets’ – The ultimate Imogen Heap love song, “I’m transfixed in this absolute bliss”. Her descriptions are unmatched by other artists, you can feel what she is feeling. Her ability to create emotion and connect with her audience is indescribable, reminding you of just how it feels to fall in love.

Imogen Heap- Canvas

8. ‘2-1′ – A solemn start that develops into a more dramatic side to the album. The darkest track on here with deeper lyrics set against eerie string melodies.

9. ‘Bad Body Double’ – An unusual but likeable track with echoing sound effects. A typical Imogen Heap track with its unique descriptions and vibes.

10. ‘Aha!’ – Darts and shoots in all directions; a creative structure that peaks and drops. A multi-tonal track that builds into a distorted fairground sound.

11. ‘The Fire’ – An instrumental track of lonely piano melodies woven over the sound of a burning fire. Atmospheric and relaxing.

12. ‘Canvas’ – A light and airy sound that showcases Imogen’s multi-layer harmonies set against light strings and fragmented piano melodies.

13. ‘Half Life’- Closing tracks should leave a lasting impression and this is a subtle and endearing performance that draws the album to a perfect sugar-coated close, without the frills of synths and vocal effects. “The only way out as you disappear in a puff of smoke”.

Our comprehensive review of Ellipse will be available in a couple of weeks. In the meantime you can download the ‘Canvas’ video through her Twitter: http://twitter.imogenheap.com.

Ellipse is released on 24th August via Epic Records

By Helen Szczupak & Cathy Reay