Some artists hit the buffers with the second album, while others use the experience to release a record surpassing the heights and promise of the debut. Jenny Colquitt falls into the latter category in the wake of sending out STARING AT THE MOON into a world ready to embrace a blossoming singer-songwriter. You sense in the midst of a seasoned veteran backing their own vocal and writing skills, aided by an optimum production. Ten cinematic tracks widely hit the mark. Colquitt's voice pitches its tone to perfection using a measured approach essential in bringing the best out of songs stacked with lyrical nuggets.
The independent status of this singer-songwriter from the north-west of England means the songs have to be stern efforts to engineer a ripple in a crowded market. Colquitt immediately sets a high standard subsequently avoiding significant dips. Intermittent peaks pop up with several moments built for a big radio audience or swooning a live crowd in a multiple of staged settings.
Colquitt has previously released a brace of EPs sandwiching the album SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL that boosted her career in 2021. Live appearances have bubbled away with festival slots and an evolving road presence Expect this side to grow, now an enhanced canon of songs is in the locker exemplified by 'Fallen Angels', a potential live firecracker with its infectious chorus inducing repeated singalongs. Reaching out to your audience is a trait core to Colquitt's act.
As deduced from the album title and referenced in the notes, the concept of little things in a bigger picture drives the lyrics. Accessing these when listening is a useful aside to marvel at how well Colquitt flexes her literary muscle to furnish finely crafted songs. The theme is taken to its nth degree in the final piece where title track 'Staring at the Moon' lavishly closes in a symphonic wrap.
Subsequent plays lift 'I Won't Let You Drive' as a mid-album gem to drool over. The tempo may be at its slowest, but the mood induces shivers with the odd vocal spill into the company of Dolly/Whitney. Inspiration for the stunning album opening 'The Bravest of the Brave' will likely be learned in the intimacy of live shows, though you do get a sense of how special 'Isla' is.
Strains of Sinead O'Connor flicker in the opening lines of 'Without You' as the now trademark power ballad evolves. Strings kick in during the song to somehow make the lyrics more meaningful than on the surface.
The instrumental intro to 'No One Loves Me Like You' has Keane from the mid 2000s written all over it, returning midway to decorate one of the album's more tuneful numbers. The lyrics are a little sparser in 'Dear Me', a serene moment when time is made available to reflect. Piano frequently forms the sonic landscape featuring on the slightly haunting 'For a moment', where an ethereal vocal opening escalates in sync with the tempo.
'I'm Fading' is a tender offering in the early stages where the vocals find the right pitch to supplement a song blessed with heartfelt pleas pouring from the lyrics. 'My Design' resides in the penultimate slot and rides the crest of a wave from a record in full flow. The song builds to a crescendo with 'this is my design' crying out to re-enforce the message.
STARING AT THE MOON possesses the craft and vigour to navigate a tough world projecting the artistic qualities of Jenny Colquitt to new levels. The raw credentials and an ability to pierce the listener's inner sphere sow the seeds to make it an instant winner on a micro scale. Justice may not be easily forthcoming, but small wins can accumulate into something bold. Pride in creating a stimulating album is the starting point with horizons broadening as the reach widens.