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Vocalist/guitarist Emma Pollock has crafted one the group's [the Delgados] finest efforts to date, albeit as a solo artist.
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Watch The Fireworks is undoubtedly a determined and brave step-outwards for Pollock.
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Out with the old and in with the new, so to speak. Which is exactly what Pollock has attempted and, for the majority of Watch The Fireworks, achieved.
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MojoFireworks teems with drama. [Oct 2007, p.102]
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A warm, quiet and graceful listen, Watch The Fireworks is definitely reminiscent of Pollock's former creations in its beguiling melodies, beautiful harmonies, soothing vocals and soaring choruses which seemingly seep out of nowhere.
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This is still effervescent, hook-based pop, but it eschews the Delgados' more orchestrated moments in favour of simpler instrumentation, whipped into cabaret-ish arrangements or pared down into frantic post-punk, with driving lines of ringing single-note bass and guitar.
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Pollock is clearly in her comfort zone here, both vocally and musically.
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There's no denying that Pollock has an uncanny knack for distinctive melodies, but the album's main problem is that she often misjudges the parameters of 'pop' and in doing so errs on the side of safety.
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There is something spectacular hidden in here, it's just that it needs more air to really burn.
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Under The RadarMost of the time the more streamlined approach works for the benefit of the songs, but there are a couple misteps.[ Summer 2007, p.76]
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Take this album to your heart and cherish it as the sweet, accomplished, and skilfully made, underappreciated little gem that it is
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UncutA likeable, modest debut. [Oct 2007, p.101]
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Q Magazine[A] palatable solo debut. [Oct 2007, p.101]
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All the songs are so glassy, beautiful and seemingly perfect.
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Simply put, Watch the Fireworks is a record of pop beauty.
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She’s constantly tuneful in settings from ringing folk-rock to piano-pumped music hall to breathy ballad. Yet her perpetually graceful, uplifting music doesn’t come with a sugary worldview.