Lail Arad’s debut album ‘Someone New’ somehow manages to channel a multitude of the North London artist’s influences whilst maintaining an individualistic streak.
Hints of Woody Guthrie, Joni Mitchell as well as Simon and Garfunkel are stepping stones towards new ideas and there is more than a subtle nod to contemporary female artists such as Regina Spektor and Kate Nash.
Like the aforementioned duo; the singer-songwriter manages to inject a dose of humour into her compositions that resonates immediately with listeners. Still, the greatest strength of this release is that the tracks are varied enough to return to for multiple listens.
It sure helps that the lyrics are continuously engaging. In my original review I commented that Lail’s lyrics “appear deceivingly simple whilst conveying a multitude of emotions”. It is this quality that makes ‘Someone New’ endearing in the long run.
Canadian chanteuse Kori Pop sent through this wonderful video for her track ‘Nowhere Near My Heart‘. Shot entirely on Canon D5 Mark II and edited on Iphoto, it is a true labour of love.
Her debut album ‘From The Outskirts‘ is out now. Expect some off-kilter eclectic piano led pop bringing to mind Regina Spektor and Emiliana Torrini.
Following a string of radio appearances and DIY YouTube videos, including an impromptu performance in 2007 during Devendra Banhart‘s show, Lail Arad recently released her debut album. Whilst those (mostly) homemade videos hinted at the London based artist’s endearing vocals, eclectic influences and unassuming sense of humour the release of ‘Someone New‘ represents the exaltation of her talents.
Over eleven tracks the singer/songwritercovers a load of ground convincingly; It is therefore not surprising to hear an unabashedly upbeat piano-led song sit side by side with a lovelorn guitar accompanied lament. The album dips into various areas of the pop spectrum showcasing an endearing quirkiness and simultaneous vulnerability that brings to mind the eclecticism of Regina Spektor.
Elsewhere the album offers more traditional folk structures, convincingly channels Joni Mitchell as well as diving head on into 50s rock n roll in a similar vain to Kitty, Daisy and Lewis. Throughout these many mood shifts the one constant is how warm the vocals come across giving the impression that you are witnessing an intimate performance.
I really admire Lail‘s knack for expressing universal emotions in just a handful of words. Passages like “who wants to be free when it’s freezing” from the brilliant “Winter” appear deceivingly simple whilst conveying a multitude of emotions. The fact that her accent is hard to place just serves to make these songs more endearing.
‘Somebody New‘ is an enjoyable album that builds on Lail Arad‘s evident talent and if you haven’t heard her music yet I suggest you make amends. Just don’t blame me when you find yourself humming the melodies for days.
At just 27 Jenny Reeves can already be considered a veteran of the Scottish indie scene having performed with and/or contributed on recordings by the likes of The Reindeer Section, Idlewild, Snow Patrol and Arab Strap. With her quasi-solo project Strike The Colours she has allowed her multi-instrumental talents and marvellous voice to take centre stage.
My first exposure to her work was when I received the ‘Breathing Exercises‘ single with its wonderfully hand crafted DIY artwork. The two tracks were carefully constructed, like the artwork they were encased in, and offered enough highlights to deserve multiple plays. The upcoming album ‘Seven Roads‘ has a similiar quality that will have you returning for successive listens.
“This is how we live in frosty weather,
when the darkness pushes us together”
These lyrics from opening track ‘Cold Hands‘ set the tone for the album offering a dose of melancholia and underlying affection. These themes are ever present in the imagery Reeves sketches and are rendered all the more acute by her endearing Scottish accent.
The aforementioned ‘Breathing Exercise” is typical of this approachwith its summery tones betraying a barely noticeable sadness that is juxtaposed with rolling drum patterns and gentle guitars. Elsewhere even those tracks where her ensemble turn the distortion up a notch it is done with the utmost attention to dynamics drawing the focus towards the vocals.
The presence of Aereogramme’s Craig B on some of the tracks, in a way similiar in effect to Jenny Lewis‘ fleeting appearances on The Postal Service‘s classic ‘Give Up‘ album, adds a wonderful contrast that not only embellishes the tracks but allows the songs he features to go to the next level.
At times Reeves channels a powerful mix of Suzanne Vega’s breathy folk and attention to words, Regina Spektor’s solemn/vulnerable moments and Emiliana Torrini‘s simple yet beautiful melodies. You may notice the references are all female solo artists; in all honesty Reeves‘s presencedominates these recordings to such an extent that it is almost impossible to imagine these songs being performed by anyone else.
‘Seven Roads’ should be heard all in one take, preferably in front of the fireplace.
to feature an array of amazing releases and artists (past, present, old and new) with the goal of promoting them to anyone interested and anyone who stumbles across this site.
If you like any of the tracks, please go buy the albums and help finance the artists producing this great music.
If there are any issues with the tracks featured do not hesitate to contact: "team (AT) Cougar Microbes (DOT) com and we will happily oblige.
Lail Arad’s debut album ‘Someone New’ somehow manages to channel a multitude of the North London artist’s influences whilst maintaining an individualistic streak.
