Album Review: Sophie Moore - Trouble in Mind

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Sophie Moore’s music illuminates a space, maximising the pieces at its disposal, while delicately creating a piece of tranquility. TROUBLE IN MIND sees this Sussex-based artist return to the recording fold after a lengthy hiatus. Moore was active in the 1980s with London indie band Foggy City and continued to have minor involvement in music after life pulled her in other directions. However a burning desire always remained and connections with American artist Jeb Loy Nicholls and esteemed producer Mark Nevers, famed for his work with Lambchop, laid the foundation for a return inspired by putting a homegrown slant on time honoured country soul.


A recording process split between Sussex and South Carolina did the heavy lifting and the result is a prized piece of work. Late night night vibes are evoked alongside a restful composure where primed musicianship and sultry vocals nestle among an array of original compositions blending softly spun tunes and lyrics painting an elegant picture.


The ten tracks decorate a thirty-minute running time canvas spilling strains of light strings, classy piano and intermittent brass into a sonic melting pot. From the culturally infused opener ‘Closer Than’ to the drifting positivity of ‘If the World’ sweetly closing this chapter, a designed template finds its groove and remains on course enticing the listener to hook up. 


The two tracks that particularly catch the ear are title piece ‘Trouble in Mind’ gently massaging the experience at the album’s heart and mindful piano guiding ‘When the Storm Breaks’ to a satisfying place in the final stages. Elsewhere cool vibes reign, light and airy interludes gently swirl around the room and an exposure of minimalist delight oozes from the studio gathering. 


TROUBLE IN MIND is a record for soothing times where kicking back and letting a gentle breeze work its therapeutic magic is a minor ask. Sophie Moore releases a satisfying spirit proving that good things happen in time. Creating an album ripe for belonging is a testimony to a patience and knowing that when the cogs spring into action music can drift across boundaries and settle where it’s meant to be.


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