Beth Orton – Trailer Park – Review

Beth Orton

Trailer Park (Dedicated)
by Rowan-Morrison

In this age of abundant folk singers and techno technicians, it was only a matter of time before the elements converged. Beth Orton‘s debut disc throws everything into the mix, from acoustic guitars, violins, and violas, to the less frequent piano, cello, and harmonium. Subtly flowing beneath some of her songs are ambient electronic grooves, which augment rather than drive the songs. Of course, being from the synth-stomping grounds of the UK and having contributed vocals to a Chemical Brothers track, it’s no surprise to hear the keyboard element surface. Vocally, Orton projects a soulful small-town image with an unearthly edge. (For example, on “Live as You Dream,” picture Sinéad O’Connor covering Natalie Merchant.) All in all, Orton’s brand of layered, semi-jangly, semi-atmospheric folk would be the ideal soundtrack for a cross-country road trip on a warm summer day, sans roadkill.