Kirsten Adamson has been musically active on several fronts for many years. Not all have been widely known and gained the reach to match the calibre. LANDING PLACE is likely to be a totally different proposition and earn exposure that warrants the depth and guile of an album rich in substantive song writing. Musical assistance is sharp and overarching with some seriously smart contributors chipping in alongside helping steer the project. The result is eleven engaging songs drawing on the enticing vibes of modern Americana all enveloped in a Celtic roll.
Inevitably conversations and associations will link to Kirsten's late father, Scottish rocker Stuart Adamson, and, while subtly etched into the narrative, it does not define one individual's pursuit to make their own mark on the quality music landscape. This latest venture harnesses the talents of fellow Scot Dean Owens, which brings the focus to a scene excited by the amalgamation of thoughtful lyrics and a deft musical soundscape. At heart Kirsten Adamson is a soul searching song writer possessing a distinctive vocal style influenced by classic pop and country.
The standout song protrudes from the number 2 slot in the running order pitching the Dean Owens co-write 'My Fathers's Songs' as a stunning bout of catching the mood of how songs can provide answers. This stellar offering builds upon the sensitive opener where Adamson nails the theme down right at home in 'No Other Mother'. The album is well into its groove by the time the corner is turned at a point where another prime moment pops up in the capable hands on the achingly beautiful 'Time With You'. Here Adamson calls on the co-wrting services of English alt-folk operator Jason McNiff and the ever glorious dulcet pedal steel tones of Joe Harvey-Whyte.
All albums need a slice of energising fun, and just as we enter the final stages 'Useless at Being Alone' steps up using the waltz formula to stir the pot with jovial accordion adding to the musical pleasure. One of the songs to garner some pre-release promotion was the semi-autobiographical 'Stars on the South Coast', a song that does attract some pop country dust amidst a catchy beat.
The album gets right down to its raw credentials in the moody slow burning 'What Happens When You Don't Follow Your Heart'. There is even a Brandi Carlile-esq wobble to the vocals that enhances the effect and draws the listener ever closer to the theme. This is one of half a dozen solo writes that Kirsten Adamson applies to solidify a lauded contribution to her craft. She uses this approach in the straight up rocking closer 'Without Warning' where the band release the shackles to support a song that will act as a conduit to whatever Kirsten Adamson does next.
Kirsten Adamson's most recent outing prior to this album was a duo project with David Burn called The Marriage. That record reached astute ears and they re-unite the partnership on the writing front to deliver 'I Will Sign' to this latest collection. This track with an environmental undercurrent courts the sounds that could frame Americana content, thus giving the album a firm base to spring into other areas and facets. Another key contributor primarily on guitars is Jon Mackenzie who also steps into the co-writing role for the serenading mid-tempo track 'Up and Down' that reflects on the wonderful impact of music.
If the first word on the contribution front came in the shape of Dean Owens steering the standout track, he also features on the final pair that complete the collection. He brings a little of his southern Americana swampy feel to the co-write 'Coals and Ashes' and chips in vocals to the final Adamson solo-write 'They Deserve Better'. It would be remiss at this point not to mention his overall role as album producer. A man of many talents.
Contributions and assistance aside, LANDING PLACE is firmly secured in the creative domain of an artist exploring and forging their own path in a world where music matters. Kirsten Adamson grows on all fronts as the album sinks in to leave the mark of a record seeking and ultimately finding receptive places in a wave of inclusivity. A record to warm the heart.
