Review: Ruth Theodore – I Am I Am

Americana artist Ruth Theodore’s latest release comes in blue (literally). It’s a raw, lyrically intriguing, poetic album that plots Theodore’s love life. ‘Full Metal Jacket’ is a jazzy standout that is fast-paced and includes very interesting harmonies. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to bounce up and down, makes you want to go and see how Theodore performs it live. Other essential listening comes in the shape of ‘Captured’, which includes the apt line ‘not every protest has a banner’ and ‘every slot is a ballot box’. It’s about enjoying life in real time, the frustration of modern life and touches on social media and its effect on the psyche of everyone who uses it. Overall, Theodore’s offer is exciting, refreshing and political, all the things you want from an Americana album.