An American reviewer recently branded Orton a “granola muncher” — a somewhat unfair labelling given her strong dancetronic credentials, but the Birkenstock does rather fit in relation to her latest material. Shrugging off her ambient-folk “music to come down to” mantle, Orton collaborated with the indie producer Jim O’Rourke (formerly of Sonic Youth) on her latest CD, titled Comfort of Strangers. O’Rourke gives things a more pop feel, but overall the sound is minimalist and straightforwardly acoustic, skirting dangerously close to banal Norah Jones territory. Orton’s voice, as ever, is beautiful in its cracking imperfection and fans will find her vocal expression stronger than ever at her live performances. They will also find her in wistful mood, her newest songs being intimate and lyric-laden, travelling over the territory of love, life and loss.
Vicar Street, today 8.30pm, €28.50 (0818 719300)