PJ Harvey Releases New Track, Album Out Valentine's Day

The legend known as PJ Harvey has been putting out albums with varying degrees of intensity since the early 90's. Her staying power is directly related to her uncompromising vision and deep connect to her craft. Although she released an LP with her longtime collaborator John Parish in 2009, Polly Jean grabs more interest in her solo efforts. Next year, we will be able to lavish out attentions on such an album for the first time since 2007's White Chalk. Her eighth LP, Let England Shake will be out on Island February 14. The first studio listen was revealed a few days ago in "Written On The Forehead" and it is certainly a departure.

The first striking characteristic in the new track is the muted guitar in favor of a swirling synth. The next stunner is the honey sweet lead vocals and distant chants that inspires images of the gauzy beauty of Cocteau Twins, not the Queen of Vitriol. Those who are familiar with PJ Harvey need no more explaniations. Despite my questioning listens, this is a truly lovely song, even if it isn't the heart stopping female fury for that her fans have grown so attached. It makes me all the more intrigued at what the rest of Let England Shake will bring.

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Right click to download "Written On The Forehead" for free.

PJ Harvey - Written On The Forehead


Bonus: For those who are not familiar with the early rage of PJ Harvey, check out the video of "Man-Size" from the amazing album Rid Of Me.