Album Review: Helen Rose - Rugged Elegance

 

www.helenrosemusic.com

Within the canvas of Rugged Elegance, Helen Rose effortlessly eases between a smorgasbord of Americana sounds. A blues coating may have greeted this US bicoastal-raised artist with her debut release in 2018, but an array of palates get spoiled with the renewal. Nine co-written tracks host a voice elegant in effect full of songs primed for impact. 

Stylishly presented opener ‘Raspberry Plain’ supported by pedal steel indicates the record may call at different landing places. This leads into ‘King of This Town’ where an earthier feel dominates as Rose edges into a bluesier midst with guitar riffs splicing a rougher sound. ‘Where Is My Home’ meanders into tamer waters melting those seduced by Rose in this mode as string-fuelled musings own the moment. 

Vibes lower in ‘The Drakes’ where the lyrics drift in a coastal direction. There are early signs that ‘Wolf Tones’ was going to inject some harmonica and guitar driven power and the inklings became fulfilled. The luscious duet ‘Demons’ sparkles at the album’s summit where once again a milder Rose and stellar pedal steel purr. ‘This Ship’ heralds the most stripped back part of the album exposing a heartfelt longing in the lyrics. You always feel a faster paced melodic song is around the corner and title track ‘Rugged Elegance’ delivers in the penultimate spot. ‘Get Me Out of the City’ evokes the spirit of great closers.

The versatility and creative guile of Helen Rose shines through the treasure trove of Rugged Elegance. 

Album Review: My Girl The River - Songs About Space

 

www.supertinyrecords.com

My Girl The River has planted their third album in left field enticing listeners to cerebrally stretch their outlook. Space in its many forms is explored as Kris Wilkinson Hughes pinpoints the power of a simple structure to a significant song. The dozen tracks surface from an extended period showing meaningful albums evolve at their own pace. It is a record of mood and fermentation, perhaps evoking one of the themes explored, namely nature becoming the new social media.

No quick fix is detected and time in its most metronomic form eases in the moment when the record clicks, It may take several plays, and lying in the deep cut section, but a melodious soothing to a gentle sound merges well with curious messages seeping out of engaging lyrics.

Songs About Space is an antidote to a frantic world. A sprinkling of poetic dreaming exploiting amenable openings in busy lives. Its entity enables space for a raft of individual conclusions. There will be a natural gravitation for many to ‘The Breakdown of John Joe’; the album’s Brandi Carlile moment. 

Kris Wilkinson Hughes comes across as an intuitive and perceptive songwriter. Narrow lanes are sonically followed with assorted musical assistance creating extra layers to expand the listening experience. 

In the world of independent music, albums like this are in for the long haul constantly called upon for promotion to repay time invested, hence little room for throwaway content. A substantive album will carry My Girl The River forward in choppy waters.