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May 31, 2018 Web Exclusive By Michael Watkins

The Future and the Past, finds her in full on indie label territory, on New York-based ATO. The Future and the Past, fittingly, celebrates the best of both worlds and sees Prass pay homage to her quirky, cutesy, fragile roots but in a framework that is more robust, more transient and, ultimately, more satisfying.

One of the most immaculate things about her debut album was the depth of songwriting present on it. For an artist just starting out, it was an exceptional feat, laid on a bed of piano melodies and well-produced horns that always kept her just a second out of touch with her more mainstream equivalents. The Future and the Past almost exclusively does away with the musical feel of her debut, swapping out brass sections for more fully-realized band numbers. Lead single “Short Court Style” is a much more stylized, much more accessible but no less rewarding delve into Prass’ well-maintained pop sensibilities, and this is a feel at play throughout much of The Future and the Past.

The most exciting thing in terms of Prass’ progression as an artist on this record can be found in the newfound confidence she has in her vocals. Whilst they were delightful first time out, here they are strikingly more interesting, effortlessly more versatile, and ultimately more complex and layered the more you listen to it. It’s a truly difficult album to find flaw with and one that should be considered essential listening for any fans or possible converts to the wonderful world of alternative female singer/songwriting. (www.natalieprass.com)

Author rating: 8.5/10