For her first new album of original material in nearly six years, indie rock forerunner Chan Marshall (or Cat Power as she's better known) decided to travel back to her roots and deliver a collection of moody, plaintive songs that ranks among the best work she's created yet. A new spin on the more familiar Cat Power sound brings drum machines, synthesizers and some luscious layered background vocals to the forefront of Sun and the results are as dynamic as they are infectious. "Ruin", the albums first single, is as catchy and engaging as anything Marshall has ever committed to wax thanks to its razor-sharp guitar work blending seamlessly with memorable piano chords and a thumping disco bass. Marshall's real talents lie in her devil-may-care, seductive whispered croons and her always evolving, clever wordplay. There's even a surprise Iggy Pop appearance in the middle of the epic, ten-minute opus "Nothin But Time", a sonic standout that recalls the Velvet Underground's most sullen moments. "Sun" is sure to make the staunchest Cat Power fanatic proud as well as initiate unassuming newcomers into the gorgeous, gauzy web that Marshall has carefully honed and perfected since her mid-90's debut. Out Sept. 4 via Matador Records.
4 out of 5 Stars
This article appears in Sep 13-19, 2012.