Ariel Posen new album, Headway, occupies the space between genres. Its roots are firmly in heartland rock & roll, electrified Americana, blue-eyed soul, R&B, Beatles-inspired pop, yet still relevant to a modern audience...

Headway is an album that is a victim of its own diversity. Drawing on so many genres and styles it's an album that you'll instantly love a handful of tracks, while feeling a little meh about the rest. However, if you're prepared to spend a little time getting to know this you'll soon discover the joys of all the songs here and how they compliment each other.

The biggest problem is that it feels like an album you've already heard... but at some indeterminable point in the past. Songs like 'What are we Doing' and 'It's You' have chord changes that instantly peak your interest, but there's little original here that will grab you and make you want to play the album over and over.

Personally, I enjoyed this. It's a well polished LP which is diverse enough to keep your attention... But, for some, that could also be its weak point.

7

Nick Smithson