ATTA combines some of the best elements of UA’s most accessible songs with the most successful experiments from her albums Sun and Breathe. The end result can be likened to Radiohead’s In Rainbows: Instead of stepping into a new direction with ATTA, UA demonstrates all the things she’s learned from her past work. It’s an incredibly self-assured album, and perhaps the best of her career.
UA is often compared to Bjork, both due to the production style of much of her work and due to her breathy, rich vocals. The production on this album wisely places that voice at the front of the mix. UA’s voice can be very soothing, and is particularly highlighted through the use of harmonies in ‘The Moon Is Fading’, one of ATTA’s strongest tracks.
Much of the instrumentation is based upon percussion. It’s clear that a lot of attention was paid to the rhythms, with the drums being significantly different each song. Stylistically, this album combines subdued electronica, jazz, soul and alternative. Rather than coming across as a particularly eclectic album, however, common elements such as abundant horns and UA’s voice tie ATTA together into a cohesive whole.
UA’s confidence on this album is especially evident on ‘picnic_20c.’, which has wild dynamic shifts, constantly swelling and suddenly shifting in intensity. It’s one of the busiest tracks on the album, with swirling acoustic guitars, strings, various types of percussion and a stream of different vocal melodies throughout the song.
The strength of this album is based on how subdued it can be. There is quite a lot going on, and for most artists it would be a wildly ambitious accomplishment. It’s a very mature album and unlike many artists who attempt to combine genres, UA never sounds indulgent, or as if the genre is controlling her. With ATTA, UA is completely self-assured. A great album.
UA myspace
Buy ATTA on iTunes: 
Buy ATTA CD from CDJapan or YesAsia
UA also released a series of videos showing bits of the recording process, see them all here:
