Tori Amos
American Doll Posse

THE REVIEW

The American Doll Ball, with a title that already hints at the political backdrop of the work, returns to its fans two years after the last "The Beekeeper" by Tori Amos.

Five characters, five Goddesses (Isabel/Artemis, Clyde/Persephone, Pip/Athena, Santa/Aphrodite and Tori/Demeter) who stand against the universe of American machoist Teo-con resurgence. This is the framework of a concept (the fourth in her career) that moves aggressively in today's America and seeks to stir souls and consciences for almost 80 minutes across 23 songs (all in one album).

To speak worthily of this work, the writer must take a small step back in time: in fact, I must immediately say that I am a longtime fan of the redhead (from the first album to be clear) and I am insanely in love with all the works created by Myra Ellen in the '90s and I am perplexed about those of the current decade, especially the latest which, with its prolixity, never convinced me. Therefore, upon hearing the news reporting the above-mentioned characteristics of the album, I wrinkled my nose a little.

The fact is, it was difficult for me to grasp the meaning of yet another concept and, above all, I had serious doubts about whether my beloved could sustain 80 inspired minutes of music at this historical moment since "Boys for Pele" from '96 lasts more than 70 minutes and is absolutely an unmissable experience.

Well, after 9 days of careful listening, I must say that my doubts, if not all, have largely been swept away. If, in fact, we start from the premise that Tori has definitely shifted towards more traditional sounds, partially leaving behind the acrobatics she had accustomed us to, this "American Doll Posse" is a work that is up to the mark. First of all, what stands out is the absolute simplicity of the arrangements with a band composed of guitar, bass, drums, and Tori alternating between piano, electric piano, Wurlitzer, and harpsichord, with all the backing vocals strictly sung by her. Present in some songs are also horns and violins, but never invasive and almost "whispered" (forgive the term!), and electronics practically reduced to the bone.

The structure really isn't very linear and there are many style changes, and Amos also enjoys inserting little entertainments just over a minute long, which can initially leave one puzzled but with repeated listening take on meaning in a work that perhaps wants to appear deliberately disjointed to convey the feeling of the various personalities alternating. As a common denominator, however, it must be said that the sound atmosphere reigning throughout is absolutely American (and in such a strong way, it's the first time in her career) with references to jazz, blues, and even folk-country, but alternating dark moments with decidedly main-stream ones.

A bold album that can leave one flabbergasted, where the American pianist follows her inspiration in an integralist manner, leaving nothing behind, gambling it all with a fearlessness that's almost moving, delivering a message that clearly states: "I am like this, take it or leave it." Personally, I like to listen to it in two different moments, first, the initial twelve quite sunny songs where "Bouncing off Clouds" and "Secret Spell" stand out, which in my opinion "risk" becoming two of her classics and why not, also wink at the radio universe but with the right elegance. Then, after a coffee break, the last 11 where Tori indulges in a more "dirge-like" dimension with genuinely beautiful moments like "Code Red", "The Dark Side of the Sun", and "Dragon".

A complex and multifaceted work by an artist who appears, if not in her golden period, still alive and with something important and valid to say. Speaking of defects, the usual discussion arises: perhaps she needs a producer capable of curbing her compositional vein to create more concrete and less prolix works, but in any case this problem is less noticeable here.

NDA: This album had already been reviewed, and I usually don't do duplicates, but given the emotional significance Tori holds for me (and with the previous reviewer's positive opinion), I made an exception to the rule. Thank you for understanding....