Review: Scarlette Fever – The Great Expectations EP
An eerily ambient hand clapping accompaniment paves the way for the Regina Spektor being interrupted by Sheryl Crow vocals, as the expressive Scarlette Fever ponders the meaning of significant others, ‘Hour Of Sunshine (Remix by Cenzo Townsend)’. The versatility of the vocals is celebrated proudly here. They can take on a low-key pleading touch when needed and, then build up to a full frontal pop push when the twinning guitar led and rustling percussion instrumentals increase in volume and heart.
‘Cheatin’ Man (Live Mix By Ashley Howes)’, shows an ability to lean in a more blues country direction, possessing the vocal clarity of a Thea Gilmore. Scarlette Fever bears out her bleeding heart well enough, without appearing too self-pitying. Striding guitar backing and a shattering percussion touch that’s trodden over by a rumbling bass edge sets the scene perfectly, for some reassuringly assertive gospel backing. ‘Good Day (Live Mix by Ash Howes)’ , oozes with peaceful serenity as Fever hovers her vocals to deliver a romance backing ode that coasts along, on top of a trickling key-led instrumental.
In revisiting songs that have raised her profile and stripping them down to bear out the lyrical punch that may have previously, not been fully appreciated. This ranging songstress, ironically, illuminates the point that there is a lot left in this locker and fans will have to keep guessing about her future direction. It could go anyway!
CasioKids – Golden Years
Chiming orchestral pondering with a playful pop backdrop and the sincere low-key cry of Ketil Kinden Endresen sets the scene for a reflective glide, ‘Golden Years’. Nordic nostalgia contrasts with a rumbling rhythm base, allowing part of the mind to wander and the other bit to focus on a pressing matter.
More bass is added to and an almost lounge vibe takes hold of the ‘Bathers Remix’, before morphing into a rhythmically rousing samba skirting sojourn. This release, as a whole, is more focused and less incongruous than the previous pop distorting foray, ‘Det Haster’. Seen together, these tracks highlight the potential spice, variety and adventure of this instrumentally nimble outfit.
Anja McCloskey- A Kiss
A rustic orchestral kick and winding strings leads into the soaring soulful and folk touched vocals of multi-instrumentalist Anjie McClusky, ‘A Kiss’. Her straining stammering voice is not used to it’s full potential and gets submerged in the uneven clang and clatter of the various string and accordion inclusive instrumental. Anger is striving to get out and needs more emphasis, at the moment the song comes across as a bit of a strop about selfishness.
‘Black Coffee’, is almost a subconscious, direct response to the above constructive criticism, as McCloskey’s eloquent, slow turning voice is given more profile in order to uncover unscrupulous ways. McCloskey’s stammering and rising accordion touch, helps the instrumental tempo to stroll hand-in-hand with the increasing folk flavour of her vocals. Swap this number to A-side status and this Hampshire songstress has gotten herself a reputation building single.
Laura Gibson – La Grande
Rhythmically trotting percussion leads up to the stirring, reflective folk tinged vocals of Oregonian Laura Gibson, ‘La Grande’. Mysticism and hope meet like strangers at a saloon to give this mildly morose epic a bit of spice.
Western spiked poetic lyricism complements the ambient, pop and folk conjoining instrumental approach. Gibson ends 2011 with promise that the release of the same titled album in January, could mean that 2013, or at least the start of it, is a period of meditative musical and poetic reflection.