Review:

on 2009-08-05 Archelon Said:

I have always had a personal weakness for voices. Miranda Lee Richards? A given. Even though this album seems a little... late.

Her music is as enigmatic as her past - for someone who worked closely with Kirk Hammett of Metallica and Brian Jonestown Massacre, this album is very mellow. But mellow is what she does best - crystal clear vocals, string arrangements and pedal steel.

All of the 13 tracks on this album compare favourably to compatriots like Edie Brickell and Sarah McLachlan, but without the power and range. The main vibe is one of shimmering, reflective quiet, and it is quite hypnotic. Tracks like 'Early November' break this mood up but only with sheer beauty - the kind of tone that only emotional exhaustion can get you.

There are certainly other elements present too, and a whole spectrum of them. 'Oddity' has recognisable 50's influences, while 'Life Boat' is a big warm hug. She falls into the reflective love song trap a few times - cliched lyrics are something many of these fall foul of.

All in all, the mood you are left with is one of nostalgic melancholy and longing. Miranda Lee Richards has managed to somehow hold on to a good deal of her obscurity as an artist - she should be one of the queens of the genre. Female singer-songwriters, indie or otherwise, listen up; there's an old girl back in town.
Rating: 8/10