Ultimately. Black And White deserves this bells-and-whistles resuscitation (though collectors may be stretched by Zoetrope and marbleised wax incarnations!). [Christmas 2025, p.129]
True, tangible contrasts in their approaches to singing emerge, with Katie’s voice often soaring above the backdrop and Allison’s delivery more often immersed in the arrangements. Yet when they harmonise, as on supremely confident album standout Wasteland, they sound innately simpatico. [Christmas 2025, p.134]
While heavier moments such as the scuzzy, stoner-grunge Heaven's Breath and the Nick Cave-esque gothic folk epic The Ox Driver's Song shine, the more straightforward folk/country tunes are pleasant but not distinctive enough to be memorable. [Christmas 2025, p.132]
While unearthed solo cuts like the eerie Child Bride intrigue, it's the stab at rocking up one of the most wilfully unrocking albums in the canon which really fascinates. [Christmas 2025, p.128]