Soft Bonds CD

To say that the release of Soft Bonds is something of a surprise is putting it mildly. In truth, most thought that Kirsty Yates and Juan Tardo had drawn a line under their ambient pop partnership as Insides two decades ago, following a steady stream of acclaimed, ground-breaking albums throughout the 1990s. For one reason or another, they decided to record a new album after two decades apart. We should all be glad that they did, because Soft Bonds is simply wonderful. Yates' thoughtful lyrics and weary vocals remain a focal point throughout, with her and Tardo slotting them into soundscapes that are every bit as cloudy, dream-like, hazy and poignant as those found on their classic 1990s works. Comeback albums often fall flat, but Soft Bonds is genuinely a peach.