"Seductive, authentic, naked . Vocal Break is a gesamtkunstwerk that evokes a sense of both fury and awe--and with classics by the likes of Bikini Kill, the Raincoats, Tori Amos and Charli xcx, it doubles as a great playlist." --Rose Dodd, AnOther "Elkin is skilled at rendering the subtle textures of sound on the page . At the core of this book is not just sharp analysis but a deep appreciation for singing and how it represents expression and freedom.' --Fiona Sturges, The Guardian (UK) "A thrilling, erudite exploration of the power of women's voices, as artful as it is informed. The best kind of cultural criticism." --Sophie Gilbert, author of Girl on Girl "A whirlwind of a book and a testament to sonic sisterhood. A compelling eclectic exploration of music from one of the finest voices of our times.

" --Darran Anderson, author of Inventory and Imaginary Cities "An essential, eclectic, authentic exploration of the politics of women's voices. I loved it! It took me ten years to go from shy young girl to punk rocker, if I'd had this book I'd have got there much quicker." --Viv Albertine, author and guitarist for The Slits "A lively and entertaining hymn to the female voice--its use, its artistry, its flaws, its triumphs, its sorrow and its rage. Elkin leaps from subject to subject with the smooth grace of a great vocalist moving between notes on a scale." --Philippa Snow, author of It's Terrible the Things I Have to Do to Be Me "Reading Vocal Break felt like being round at a friend's house playing through a stack of records and talking about them until sunrise. Warm, clever, funny and deeply thoughtful, this is a rich work of feminist criticism with a beautifully light touch . I loved it." --Octavia Bright, author of This Ragged Grace "Compelling, scholarly, rousing .

Elkin writes with the intimate knowledge and the passion of one who sings, and the scholar's measured and listening ear. A pitch-perfect book." --Harriet Baker, author of Rural Hours.