Although her own recording career stretches back a lot further, it is only in recent years where the name Audrey Spillman has started to appear on the credits of albums from collaborations like The Orphan Brigade and Buffalo Blood thus opening doors to a whole new listenership. The link lies with her husband Nielsen Hubbard, the go-to producer of so many recent Nashville albums with a left field songwriter folk streak to them. Now is the time for the spotlight to shine brightly on a vibrant songwriter blessed with an equally as compelling voice.
There was no surprise in Spillman staying close to home for the production duties on NEON DREAM, and the marital partnership has extended into the field of album creation with a nine-strong song collection exploring a rich seam of multi-tempo sounds. There is a neat symmetry to the songwriting process with four solo compositions and an equal number of co-written efforts split by a version of 'Summertime'. The latter living proof that even well-worn songs can scrub up fresh when tackled by vocals polishing the shine.
It is hard to look past the opening track 'Austin Motel' as the premium moment with a haunting backdrop adorning a song inspired by a Hubbard/Spillman road trip. It is also the home to the album title buried tantalisingly in the reflective lyrics. This is the first of the pair teaming up on the writing front.The pick of the other three is the delectably sumptuous 'Never Gonna Give You Up', but 'Beyond the Blue' shimmers like glistening sunlight on a dusty day in its trail closely followed by the floaty 'White River'. Each of these proudly boast the stunning vocal capability of Audrey Spillman as is replicated throughout.
On the occasions the solo writing path is taken, Spillman especially flourishes on the punchy 'Breakthrough' where the mood reverberates in a sense of intensified experimentation. To me reminiscent of Allison Moorer shifting gears. 'Little Light of Mine' is the deeply personal offering with an effect as tender as the obvious bond between mother and child. 'Go On and Fly' elegantly paints a beautiful parting message on the canvas with a sense of movement. In contrast to the visual splendour of 'Red Balloon' illuminating recollections right at the heart of the album.
NEON DREAM is an album finely spun for those moments of fond contentment. Sitting back it hovers like a satin cloud sprinkling particles of gold dust exposing every dimension of Audrey Spillman's creative arteries. An artist whose transition is complete from the outer reaches to right in splendid focus.
