AMG Review of Afterglow

Tom Demalon
All Music Guide

Former One Dove frontwoman Dot Allison returns after an extended absence with her solo debut, Afterglow. She continues in the same vein as her former band, and certainly manages to live up to the high musical standards of that trip-pop act. Allison co-produced the album, and also plays guitar and keyboards and handles programming chores. Afterglow is a strong, dreamy effort that envelops the listener immediately. "Tomorrow Never Comes" is sparse and heartbreaking, while "Close Your Eyes" has a light dance feel and a radio-ready hook. "In Winter Still," with its strings and piano, could have come from a Cocteau Twins record. Allison delivers a pair of stellar pieces in the absolutely gorgeous "Did I Imagine You?" (co-written with Hal David) and the haunting "Message Personnel."