[Album Review] Lisa Hannigan in striking control on ‘At Swim’

Lisa Hannigan
“At Swim”
(ATO)

What is most striking about Lisa Hannigan is her control.

It’s an unexpected skill considering how the Irish singer first gained attention as part of the band that brought Damien Rice’s raw, unpredictable emotional folk to life. And, for fans of a certain age, there are times when Hannigan’s lower range sounds just like a young Sinead O’Connor, which sets up a wait for the Sinead-ish banshee shrieks that never come.

Instead of wild emotion, Hannigan offers gorgeous, well-executed control. And on her third album “At Swim” (ATO), Hannigan shows time and time again how beautiful that control can be, even in the darkest of circumstances.

On the lovely ballad “Prayer for the Dying,” her restraint -- and the spare, classic country arrangement accented with clear, pretty harmonies -- calls to mind the great k.d. lang, a master of cool composure and constant, yet checked, craving.

Hannigan doesn’t use the same vocal approach for all 11 of the songs of “At Swim,” but she never allows her emotions to fly out of control. (TNS)