This album finds her breaking free of One Dove's sound, beginning her free-form expression within her chosen musical genres. But she does bold new things with the techno/choir/pop hybrid on this album. The lonely piano that begins "Alpha Female", for example; the sensual Eurodance grind of "Mo' Pop"; the absolutely lovely "Did I Imagine You?"; the Eastern-flavoured keyboard riff that permeates "Close Your Eyes" -- every song is a gem, infused with Allison's trademark multitracked vocal magic and her daring arrangements. Allison's on-record charisma is phenomenal but despite her ice-goddess looks, her voice can convey a real warmth that makes these songs not just a collection of machinery and mechanized beats, but organic lifeforms with a beating heart.

Just buy it. God knows, if the powers that be lack the faith, this album will not be discovered by the general public -- and it richly deserves to be.


Beatiful, Lush, and Hypnotic...   June 6, 2002
A. Nolte (Seattle, WA USA)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Dot Allison was first introduced to me during my stint as a college DJ. The first time I heard her voice was on the Death In Vegas single "Dirge." I thought that was an amazing song, so when her album came out, I absolutely had to check it out.

While it isn't something you would dance to, put on for a party, or listen to when you want to get a mood boost, this album is incredible. The production is fabulous, creating rich, lush vocal landscapes and layers of sound. Allison has the ability to change the sound gradually with the different tones of her voice, which is truly impressive. Allison also did most of the writing for the album, which proves she works through the music, instead of just vocalizing someone else's work.

I know this album isn't for everyone, but I would suggest you check it out if you enjoy Mono, Mazzy Star, Tori Amos, Death in Vegas, or any of the trance/ambient/darkwave female artists out there.


Do you have a heart?   December 26, 1999
NC listener ("tori mania")
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

As for the bitter reviewer who "overlistened" to the point of detest to this album, is that Ms. Allison's fault? No. As with any music this should not be played over and over or it will lose its element of special mystique. (This is also a note to myself, because I really should take it out of my CD player). I've been listening to this CD for three straight weeks now and it gets more nostalgic and evocative with each listen. I'd say it's 30% Cocteau Twins, 30% Kate Bush, 10% Garbage and 30% all its own beauty. GET THIS IF YOU ENJOY HEARTBORKEN BALLADS, WATERY, ELOQUENT LYRICS, AND DAMN SOLID MUSIC.


Pretty Woman   August 31, 2000
MaddKhameleon (Singapore: The City of Sin)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

She is gorgeous, both in terms of her looks and her music, she is in no way a bimbo, although she is beautiful. She is Richard Fearless' girlfriend, who appeared here as a guest. I have to tell you, this is a great album that has infinite commercial potential, if they had played some of the songs on radio, it could have been big. But it is not the main point, what I am actually trying to say is: This is one of those more accessible albums without succumbing to the commercial ground. Her vocal is incredible here, she can sound like some guess singer from This Mortal Coil('Tomorrow Never Comes'), Sarah Cracknell from Saint Etienne('Mo Pop'), PJ Harvey ('Message Personnel')... No no no, she is just Dot Allison. A talent that truly deserves your attention, a gorgeous being. People who have heard music by One Dove, Dot's former band should realize that this sounds much more `pop' those her former band. While undoubtedly this more conventional approach to music would displease her former One Dove fans, she should gain many more new fans with different likings for music. I know Bjork fans would like her, so do Cocteau Twins fans, as well as indie pop fans and chill-out music fans. If this hit does not succeed commercially, just remember this name and check out her next album when it released, I am sure she can make it big next time round, because she truly deserves it, and she is much better than your mediocre Ani Difranco or Beth Orton.


Soft, reflective, rhythmic vocal type thing with claws!   September 24, 1999
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

A return of those sexy, soothing female vocal sounds which were last heard on 'One Dove - Morning Dove White'. Track 2 - 'Tomorrow never comes' is fantastic, mellow and if you had to sort of compare it to something I guess Mazzy Star's 'fade into you' would come close. Theres is a lot of variety here, no doubt about that, it's not all dreamy tracks don't y'know.

This is a superb come-down album, and a brilliant solo debut by Dot Allison, the best cd I've bought this year and an essential part of the after-clubbing experience. Full marks.