Janet Simpson has been an active musician for well over twenty years as part of bands and other collaborations. Now this singer-songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist takes a huge step as a solo performer with the release her debut album. SAFE DISTANCE is the latest in the line of acclaimed records to surface via the helping hand of Birmingham Alabama-based label Cornelius Chapel Records. So joining the likes of Austin Lucas and Caleb Caudle we have an artist fairly local to the location of the label and in tune with the vibes of a shared sound that drifts leftwards in an alternative direction from the mainstream roads of rock and country.
The twelve tracks forming this debut solo release roll out as a moody atmospheric batch of tunes, perfectly set up to what you would hear among the mist of dry ice in a mid-size indie venue. Simpson effortlessly glides between a smattering of punchy upbeat numbers and those of a more mellow disposition. A rock anchor is there throughout the dozen offerings, though one which spawned the alt-country movement and now seeking solace in the Americana community. From the magnetic swagger of 'Nashville Girls' to the acoustic overtures of 'Silverman' and deliciously tender 'Black Turns Blue' you are continually in the presence of a calm and measured performer adept at executing mature and enticing music.
On the assumption that this album is primed for the vinyl generation, you can detect the evolution of the tracks, most prominently in the title song 'Safe Distance' acting as a renewed re-energiser in the mid slot of the digital range, but likely the lead off on side 2 of the physical cut. Though not on a vocal parallel, this high point of the album does ripple thoughts of Lucinda Willians in the style of song construction. The other song that strides out from the early plays is another that has been lifted off as a promotional single. 'I'm Wrong' has shades of a new wave post-punk influence and is definitely more suburban than its location cousins of urban and rural.
The third single joining the latter and the aforementioned opener 'Nashville Girls' is 'Slip', a song settling into the two slot and definitely more pensive than its up front preceding co-number. Within the confines of the first three tracks we are whisked away from Music City and taken many thousands of miles west to where 'Reno' takes its name from Nevada's other less celebrated party ground. This is another luscious tune to arouse the ears and the point where the album starts to tone down a touch give or take the odd bout of ramped up guitar rock.
Janet Simpson comes across an an assured unassuming artist firmly fixed on the prize of serving up an album with a twin appeal of being self-satisfying and catching the ear of its target audience. SAFE DISTANCE achieves this admirably and is an album with sufficient stamina to flourish well past release day. If you are a fan of electric guitar led semi-rock with a subtle conscious and poised demeanour then this album is one to mark on your 'to check out lists'.
