Australian singer songwriter Sally Seltmann has been lurking in the background of indie pop for a while now, releasing two albums under the name New Buffalo since 2004 and penning hits such as Leslie Feist’s ‘1234’ along the way.
Still on Canadian label Arts and Crafts, which is home to the likes of Feist and Broken Social Scene, she’s emerged in 2010 under her own name for the first time with Heart That’s Pounding, a beautifully crafted, tender collection of sugary chamber pop.
While her voice doesn’t have the same power as Leslie Feist, Seltmann’s album is as assured and consistent as Feist’s classic album The Reminder. At times pure Tapestry-at era Carole King and at others classic indie pop, its a lot like a Belle and Sebastian album in places, full of lush melodies, string arrangements and delivered with a knowingly light touch production.
First single ‘Harmony to My Heartbeat’ opens the album with its low key build up before drums kick in. Its not the best on the album and feels very much like a single rather than an album opener. ‘Set Me Free’ is where the album really kicks in and begins to showcase a range of lovely 60s esque pop, with strings and woodwind cheekily popping in.
Many other highlights follow, such as ‘On the borderline’ where her breathy vocals work perfectly on this uplifting track.
With Heart That’s Pounding Seltmann has stepped out of the shadows with an honest and enjoyable collection of 60s-esque tracks.
7.5/10
by Joe Lepper
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