The far reaching consequence of opening Zoe Wren’s PANDORA
BOX is not as the myth goes detrimental but the revealing of five beautifully
sung songs blending a finesse voice with the soothing tones of acoustic strumming.
This debut EP is a tantalising short collection presenting Zoe first and
foremost to the folk world but with lashings of potential to work the cross
genre songbook. She can sing quite comfortably in the classical traditional style
and still retain a contemporary charm to captivate the listener.
Hailing from the London Borough of Camden, Zoe has found an
outlet in the Hertfordshire set up of the Folkstock team to record her first
collection of songs. Early focus was on the neo-traditional style ’45 Fever’ which featured on the FEMMES
FATALES OF FOLK album released earlier in the summer. This tune sees Zoe
experiment with bass and percussion courtesy of Lauren Deakin-Davies and is defined by
some serious gear changes including a sparkling chorus explosion, although admittedly
it took a little while to grasp. Far more palatable from its very first listen
is ‘Just a Song Away’. This
wonderfully written ballad has a mesmeric feel to it and clings to the hope of
song. Maybe autobiographical; maybe not but Zoe’s view of the subject could
also be that of the listener
‘I walked the road
and heard the music from afar.
Sweet to the ear.
I listened for a while, it came right from the
heart.
All that I could
hear.
Title track ‘Pandora’s
Box’ opens the EP and has also been included on the latest Fatea Showcase
Sessions. This curious and mysterious song sets the scene well and is a conducive
introduction to the record. ‘Tale of an
Oak Tree’ is a well-crafted and thought provoking song with sad sentiments
wrapping themselves around the simple notion of remembering. Like all
successful tasters, this closing track has the desired effect of a yearning for
more. The remaining track is at the centre point of the record and the simply
structured ‘A Moment’s Madness’ once
again reflects Zoe’s gift of merging mature writing with ear pleasing tunes.
This discovery of an extended listening experience of Zoe
Wren has unveiled a gem of a singer, writer and communicator through song.
PANDORA’S BOX is a release to tempt you, with only positives leaping out when
the lid is lifted.
www.zoewren.com