Slow Motion Addict, the third album by rough-hewn British singer-songwriter Carina Round has the dubious distinction of containing, not one, but two title tracks. Aside from “Slow Motion Addict,� it also bears a song titled “The Disconnection,� which, some may recall, was the title of her previous album. Curious though this may be, “The Disconnection� actually marks one of the most interesting five-minute stretches of melody on Slow Motion Addict, a record that frequently aims for radio-friendly hooks only to have raw, distorted riffs and unbridled screams play interference. While nowhere near the flaccid Grammy-baiting pop as producer Glen Ballard’s other résumé references, Round does frequently play it safe, opting for the easy three-chord pop single more often than is necessary. But a simmering, tense rumbler like “January Heart� reveals more depth, proving that Round is capable of crafting subtle, yet emotionally captivating gems…when she wants to.
-Jeff Terich
Release date: June 27, 2006
