Mary Lattimore – Goodbye, Hotel Arkada – Album Review
by Killian Laher

Three years on from Silver Ladders, harpist Mary Lattimore launches her latest solo album.  Like its predecessor, it’s a gorgeous piece of work.  Opener And Then He Wrapped His WIngs Around Me is very zen with some wordless vocals from Meg Baird.  Shades of Radiohead at their most becalmed.  Arrivederci is moodier, almost desolate with echoes of the Cure, probably related to the presence of Lol Tolhurst on synth.

One of the most uplifting pieces is the wintry Blender In A Blender which builds slowly towards a more orchestral coda.  Another highlight is the lonely sounding Music For Applying Shimmering Eye Shadow, with some particularly gorgeous guitar, shades of Vini Reilly.  The final track, Yesterday’s Parties seems to bring the album full circle.  This track has a warmer feel, with wordless vocals from Rachel Goswell of Slowdive this time.

Mary Lattimore operates somewhat under the radar, but this is exquisite music, one to immerse in for the winter months ahead.

And Then He Wrapped His Wings Around Me