Since the late seventies, Annie Bandez (known as Little Annie) has carved out a singular path as a singer, painter, and performance artist. Over the years she has collaborated with many luminaries of the Alternative music scene. With (Cold Spring) is a compilation that brings together many of Annie’s key collaborations on one record for the first time.

All photos © Little Annie

The songs here are as diverse as they are powerfully moving. Holding them all together is Annie’s tender and fragile smoke-tinged voice. Encompassing everything from lounge Jazz to experimental Electronica, With showcases Little Annie’s impressive track record of collaborating with the likes of Marc Almond, Swans, Coil, Kid Congo Powers and Baby Dee.

“Yesterday When I Was Young,” a cover of Charles Asnavour featuring Marc Almond, is a heartfelt piece of old-fashioned classic Pop.

By contrast, “Things Happen,” featuring Coil, is full of terrifyingly Doom-laden electronics that blast out of the speakers ominously. Annie’s voice deftly dances around the glitches, bleeps and pounding drum machine.

“The Weather And The War” with Kid Congo Powers is an exuberant blast of dark psychedelic Blues Rock that sees Annie duetting with Powers’ deep baritone.

“Isle of Weeping Ladies” with Paul Wallfisch is a beautifully delicate piano-led ballad that should be a classic. Annie’s voice smoothly glides on top of the Jazz-infused piano lines with seeming ease.

“State of Grace” with Baby Dee and Bonnie “Prince” Billy is a heart-rending anthem that rises to several powerful crescendos that burst with poignancy. Contrasting again is “Lefrak City Limits” with Larsen. This track is full of stirring experimental
Rock augmented by Annie’s lethargic melodies.

“The Soul Of August,” again featuring Paul Wallfisch, is a smoothly flowing lounge Jazz piece that features Annie’s whimsically delivered feather-light vocals over the top of Wallfisch’s piano.

“Some Things We Do” with Swans, is a dark and brooding slow-burner that sees Annie doubling Michael Gira’s sombre drawl.

With serves as a fine introduction to Little Annie’s talents as a singer. It will appeal to fans of esoteric experimental music and to those simply interested in great songs delivered with emotional integrity. Above all, With is a touching and poignant testament to the underrated genius of Little Annie.

Buy the album here:
https://coldspring.co.uk/csr348lp-green

9 / 10
DUNCAN EVANS
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