Few artists have built themselves a solid 90s icon status like the US-born singer-songwriter Tori Amos. With classical piano training since childhood, her powerful songs of womanhood and sexuality resonated with fans across a wide age range. Amos’ complex melodies are almost as recognisable as her signature long auburn hair. She’s a performer for the history books, casting spells at those keys over a lengthy career.

So her determination to stoke the musical fires can only be a welcome thing these days, with a new album on the way. Her 18th record is said to be titled ‘In Times of Dragons’, due for release on May 1st, and follows relevant themes of political tyranny. We’re sure to be moved in staggering ways, if this latest single is anything to go by. 

‘Stronger Together’ works as Amos’ rallying cry for community to listeners, through her successful formula of soft ballads. The track ambles in on a gentle synth drum, setting the foundations, before fading to a quiet hum of strings. It’s evident from the get-go that this is an audio hybrid of eras for Amos, bringing in elements of late 20th-century power anthems under a modern guise. This creates something of a floating effect in the instrumentals, and it works relatively well for the tone here, before building into her well-known surges of piano at the chorus. Few artists know how to command their orchestra as tightly. 

Unsurprisingly, Amos’ vocals remain impressive. Sitting around a mezzo-soprano range, she glides through her empowering lyricism. When the song opens to speak of “Menacing times, stripped of rights”, listeners can feel that deep ache of concern for the world. It’s a great deal less introspective than some of her classic discography, focusing on togetherness and a state of society rather than personal relationships or struggles. Nevertheless, emotional sensitivity stays at the core, swelling into a crescendo by the end. Ideas of womanhood work their way in, too, through the song’s narrator character reassuring a daughter figure. A perfect combination of Amos’ key elements and a timely spin. 

All in all, ‘In Times of Dragons’ promises to be a moving musical narrative from one of alt-rock’s steady pioneers. Perfect for fans of Stevie Nicks and Fiona Apple, the album’s release is sure to draw in a dedicated audience. 

Sofia Neal

@girlfailmarkcorrigan_

Image: Kasia Wozniak

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