“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