Lára: Surprise (2009)

Surprise, the third long player from singer Lára Rúnarsdóttir is—contrary to what the title might suggests—a rather unsurprising affair. The album presents an array of radio-friendly pop numbers that sound inoffensive and digestible. While it (fortunately) doesn’t fall into the dull rut of easy listening drivel, there is nothing new going on here, either. Which is OK. Just not particularly surprising.
Comparisons to the likes of Feist or even Tori Amos might be made, especially because of the slightly more complex (than your average pop album) sound of her backing music. Lára is clearly pretty talented musically, apparent by her playing on the piano and guitar as well as having a strong singing voice, even if sounds a little thin at times. Minus points go to her songwriting though, and for her repeated use of the puerile and irritating word ‘tits’ in the track Honey, You’re Gay! On the whole, the album is OK, not great, lacking in some mystery element that could move it to the next level. Worth checking out, but don’t expect to be surprised.