Consciousology

Dot Allisons comeback album Heart-Shaped Scars was a stunning reintroduction to the singer/songwriter, taking her music to a place more fragile, tender, and hauntingly folky than anything shes done previously. Upon its arrival, it felt like a career-defining moment that would be hard to top, an album so shorn of artifice and so nakedly emotional that it seemed like there were no barriers between the artist and audience. 2023s Consciousology is a wonderful continuation and slight expansion of what Allison did on that album. She teams up again with string arranger Hannah Peel, only this time instead of subtle hints of strings, Allisons brutally beautiful vocals are paired with a full orchestras worth of strings to help cushion the blows. Most of the album is bolstered by this rich backing, and she also called on Andy Bell to provide occasional guitar while she herself plays a variety of instruments and others add Theremins, synths, and backing vocals. Magically, this tender expansion on the sound of Heart-Shaped Scars retains the intimacy and power and proves just as heartbreakingly pure. On the album-opening "Shyness of Crowns," the synths and bits of programming fit perfectly with the swelling strings, giving Allisons vocals just the right amount of support and bringing the track to a breathtaking close. Other songs that utilize this kind of instrument-packed approach meld subtlety and low-key bombast in exactly the right proportion. Its like dream pop without the loud guitars or cosmic folk thats grounded by pain; crystalline melodies and cutting sadness are combined on songs like "Bleached by the Sun" and "Milk and Honey." As impressive as these tracks are, when she dials down the arrangements to just a few quiet strings and gently played guitars, she delivers a different kind of magic. "Double Rainbow" is all smears of sound, oscillating synths, and avant dub echoes, with Allison adding vocals that go beyond words into a timeless, formless realm of music. "Weeping Roses" is another instance where she forsakes arrangement for intimacy to deliver a song that oozes loss and regret. It was inspired by a cassette of Tim Hardin songs given to her by Andrew Weatherall, and the track works as a fitting tribute to both men. Consciousology is the work of an artist who has tapped into something mystical and true, much like she did with Heart-Shaped Scars. Allison has made a record that stands not only with her best work but with that of experimental and inspired singer/songwriters of any era. ~ Tim Sendra