Cat Power

After a six-year hiatus following a brief hospitalization, Chan Marshall is back and better than ever.

Cat Power’s past work largely delivered heavy vocals and despondent lyrics that could spiral an optimist down a path of heartbreak, to come out the other side suffering from the heaviest depression.

Marshall could read the phone book and leave listeners bawling before even reaching the Bs. 

With an emotional voice and lyrics full of affliction, Marshall performs with her usual passion on “Sun.” This time, a combination of instruments juxtaposed with speakeasy
vocals makes this album fit for more than tough times.

Songs such as “Manhattan” and “Sun” are built on a rhythmic experimental sound. “Silent Machine” delivers repetition and electronic beats unexpected from Marshall.

The honest and raw lyrics that popularized Cat Power still appear on “Sun,” but the layers of instruments accompanying Marshall’s compelling voice are a welcome refinement.

By Emma Grdina