Heather Eatman's 'Candy & Dirt' remains my favourite pop singer/songwriter that Fish Records carries; intelligent, barbed lyrics wrapped up in great melodies; so the arrival of a new collection of songs is more than welcome here.
'Doll Hospital' has a similar approach to all her previous discs in that the songs are populated by colourful, larger than life characters in unlikely situations, but the musical approach is far removed....the arrangements sound simple, Heather on arch-top guitar and vocals backed by a vibraphone, upright bass and drums, but the sound is as striking for the quality of the performances as it is for it's quirkiness.
The structure of the four-piece lends itself to acoustic-swing and that’s the overall feel here, and it suits the songs perfectly; there’s some sublime vibraphone playing that helps create a surreal and almost comic book background with the characters in the songs leaping out from page.
From the biscuit baker who bakes a wife for a friend (Charlie Takes the Cake) through to the fractured memories/ramblings of a car crash victim (Flashing Lights) the 11 songs are memorable, easy to enjoy and always interesting.
‘Doll Hospital’ is an excellent release that stands out on it’s own in terms of lyrics and musical style and it’s a refreshingly different disc from many of the albums we carry – approach this with an open mind and a sense of fun and you’ll find much to enjoy.

£13.49