Another really great one from The Spatulas, the itinerant DIY art-jangle pop project led by Miranda Soileau-Pratt. Given their constant movement around the US - beginning in Oregon, relocating to Camridge, MA, and now, post-recording, in Indiana - the line-up of The Spatulas is a constantly mutable thing, but what remains consistent is the passionate, intensely performed nature of the songs, Soileau-Pratt a literate and committed performer often operating right at the very end of her vocal range. More so than on any other Spatulas recording, the songs here are possessed of an increasingly ecstatic quality that matches their singer's dedication, evolving out from off-kilter bedroom confessionals into ascendant Galaxie 500 testimonies unafraid to really nail their colours to the mast. As such, A Blue Dot translates as a hugely confident collection that celebrates its weirdness and devotion with equal fervour.
FFO: Barbara Manning, 28th Day, Galaxie 500, Cynthia Dall, Nowhere Flower
