As summer gives way to autumn, do yourself a favour and tag onto
the seasonal journey undertaken by Welsh singer-songwriter SERA in her brand
new debut album LITTLE GIRL. The whole effect of this record is to glide you
around a virtual landscape exploiting the sweeping serenity garnered by the
production process. From tracks one to twelve, SERA hits on a winning formula
to present an intoxicating release to music followers tempted by the process of
checking out a new artist.
Hailing from North Wales and also professionally active in
the Welsh language, SERA is the latest female artist to benefit from the active
strategy of the Folkstock team in promoting predominately gender based music. The
sound and feel of LITTLE GIRL is a significant diversion for Folkstock who are
more widely known for their work with the greater traditional leaning of Kelly
Oliver. This movement in sound drifts to the outer alternative edges of the
folk genre, while blending in small contrasting elements of swirling dark
Americana and fragments of engaging pop. Labels aside, the celestial energy
generated by the spinning of this record a multitude of times make it an
attractive release.
The album gets an explosive start with the tone setting
opening track ‘Through the Wild’
which melts your senses in a way that its immediate candidacy for stand out
song never relents. The pace of the record undulates during its playtime pivoted
by a mellow core in the guise of the sensitive mid album track ‘Waterside’, complete with calming
opening piano and darker cello parts finding a home later in the tune. By the
time we reach the concluding piece ‘Through
the Night’ a rock feel has emerged leading to a lengthy instrumental playout.
The vocals are generally uplifting, often classical in
phases whilst always retaining a velvet soothing influence. Heady heights are
reached in the rousing parts of the title track and a significant change
emerges deep into the record where the lyrics switch to the language of SERA’s
native land in ‘Mond am Eiliad’. If
you are inclined to be drawn to the greater melody driven tracks then the catchy
trio of ‘Carry Me’, ‘Creative Sound’
and ‘Storm Cloud’ in the album’s
first half will be an instant attraction. ‘Your
Joy’ and the sobering ‘Optimist’
in the second half (perhaps side 2 on a vinyl release!) give the record a
seriously good balanced sound, thus ensuring an engaged listen is enjoyed.
LITTLE GIRL has surfaced as a highly credible album and one
for SERA to further her career on. Discovering this artist is akin to the
journey of discovery experienced by immersing into the wealth of the record.
The anthem style in places helps make it accessible and it should appeal to a
range of listeners into such diverse sounds as edgy pop, alt-folk and ethereal
Americana.
