Rebecca Campbell

There are many astonishing aspects of this album: impeccable, tasteful musicianship from Campbell, her collaborator Justin Haynes and others; flawless, gorgeous production by David Travers-Smith; and an atmospheric ambience that seems distinctly northern and wintry. Unfortunately, that also means that Tug comes off as a bit cold, and not meteorologically speaking. For all its exquisite precision, it doesn't capture the imagination the way that Jane Siberry (Campbell's frequent employer) does, either melodically or lyrically. Campbell and company get full marks for aesthetics; they could work wonders if they had different material or delved deep into the abstract.