Sprinter
Partisan Records/Inertia
Mackenzie Scott started singing during a high school production of Fiddler On The Roof before honing her skills at church and nursing homes. When she was in her final year of studies at Belmont University in Nashville, Scott recorded her debut album with Tony Joe White and changed her stage name to Torres.
For her second album, Sprinter, Torres is a far more visceral beast enlisting the help of Adrian Utley (Portishead) as well as Ian Olliver and Rob Ellis of PJ Harvey’s former band. The arrangements are darker and trembling but it is Torres’ gigantic unrestrained voice that is the cornerstone of all of her tunes.
Torres is fearless when it comes to disclosing information about her past (and present). Adopted by her birth mother’s bible teacher, Torres explores her feelings for the Baptist Church when taking on the voice of God during Son, You Are No Island. The emotions are raw and exposed as she sings of hate on Strange Hellos and returning to some religious imagery during A Proper Polish Welcome.
Torres has a voice like an untamed animal and is just as beautiful and threatening in its power. Sprinter is more brash and menacing than her debut and all the better for it.
★★★
CHRIS HAVERCROFT
