Posted on: May 10, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Tristan Prettyman – Hello…x / 2008 Virgin / 12 Tracks / http://www.tristanprettyman.com /

Tristan Prettyman is still a pretty new force to popular music. Eir first album, “t w e n t y t h r e e” rocketed up the Heatseekers chart before ultimately peaking at #24. If individuals did not have the chance to pick up eir first album, they may also be familiar with Prettyman’s work on G. Love’s “Lemonade” or (the much earlier) “Volume 2” by the Brendan Borek Family. The (somewhat) titular track starts off “Hello…x”, and provides individuals with a breathy female voice.

There is a slyness to Prettyman’s voice that shines above and beyond the guitar and percussion that is present during this opening salvo. The sunny demeanor of “Hello” is the perfect introduction to Prettyman, and shows that the Sheryl Crow-type of pop music is something that has not completely died out. “You Got Me” has the similar care taken by Prettyman in the creation of a memorable track. The slower sound of “You Got Me” provides a larger palette for Prettyman to paint eir narrative-heavy songs. “Madly” is a pinnacle on “Hello…x”, in that it provides a little bit of funk to the track, while Prettyman approaches the track with a Fiona Apple meets Alanis Morrisette type of sound.

The increasing energy which Prettyman inserts into the track shows that ey can step up eir game even further than had been the case during the prior tracks on the disc. Each of the tracks on “Hello…x” show an evolution from the tracks that were on “t w e n t y t h r e e”, whether it is through the more intricate arrangements present or the more nuanced approach to vocals taken by Prettyman. With everything steps beyond what was previously present on Prettyman’s first album, this sophomore effort shows that Prettyman’s career has a trajectory that no one could conceivably predict. Listen for Prettyman’s music to become more of a staple on radio rotation in the months to come, and try to see if Prettyman is touring anywhere around your neck of the woods. If you can do either, make it a point to do so. This former Roxy’s model shows that the beautiful people are not just useless; they can contribute their own uniqueness to the story, the fabric that is popular music. Give the disc a go.

Top Tracks: Blindfold, Interviews

Rating: 6.7/10

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