By Sujin Thomas

THE persona of American singer/songwriter Tori Amos has long been linked to myth and fairy tales.

On her last outing, American Doll Posse, she played on five personalities modelled after Greek goddesses like Athena, goddess of the hunt, and Persephone, goddess of the underworld.

That concept album was a somewhat-schizophrenic, overwrought album that left some fans puzzled.

Would she ever return to her old self?

The answer is a resounding yes, as evidenced by her latest record, Abnormally Attracted To Sin.

On the 45-year-old's 10th album, she reverts to utilising progressive balladry as a vehicle for her thoughts on vice, religion and tragedy.

The opening track Give bears a haunting similarity to a Beth Gibbons opus, dominated by drum loops and Amos' eerie refrain: There are some/some who give blood/I give love.

Having had a religious upbringing - her father is a reverend - she tries to reconcile her differences with God and her inner demons on Strong Black Vine.

It is an intense prog-rock jaunt with strings borrowed from Led Zeppelin's inimitable Kashmir.

While tracks range from forlorn think pieces to blazing electronica, the album's boldest statement is made on Maybe California.

On it, Amos lays her stand against suicide.

It's a seldom-ventured territory in song and promises to evoke a tear or two.

The album is a hefty one, weighing in at about 70 minutes spread over 17 tracks. But, if getting inside the warped mind of Amos helps set your inner demons free, this may just be your drug of choice.

myp@sph.com.sg

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