Chairlift - Does You Inspire You

One might find it difficult to accurately describe Chairlift’s vocalist Caroline Polachek’s voice. On the band’s debut album Does You Inspire You, it has the lilt of Leslie Feist’s; however in person it has the clarity, and superb range of Sinead O’Connor.

While Does You Inspire You, which is heavily inspired by Cocteau Twins is stellar, it fails to do her voice justice. Polachek does manage to hit quite a few high notes on the bouncy, eighties-inspired numbers “Evident Utensil”, and “Bruises”, which is currently being featured in a commercial for the new Ipod nano-chromatic.

However she really shines on the standout rocker “Make Your Mind Up”; and reaches nearly operatic levels on “Territory”. That track, as well as “Planet Health”,“Somewhere Around Here”, and “Ceiling Wax” rely less on catchy keyboard driven beats and on more spatial soundscapes. “Don’t Give A Damn” mixes things up by adding some twang into their dream pop sound.