Orchestral, beautiful and different are three nice words to describe this second album from Australian singer songwriter EMILY BARKER. It doesn’t move me, but I can see how it is meant to. That is, it’s not for me but I can still see that it’s a good album.
‘Despite the Snow’ is a combination of strings and heartfelt lyrics, dripping with fragility. ‘All Love Knows’ is a stark ballad with a soaring instrumental mid-section, led by some affecting accordion playing. She has a strong, versatile voice, evoking numerous moods as the tracks progress. There is plenty of variety within the songs, from the alt-folk of ‘Disappear’ to the barn dance vibe of the wordless ‘If It’s All Night Long.’
‘Bloated, Blistered, Aching Heart’ is a Dolly Parton ballad, supported with minimalist strings and effects that make it a slight variation on just a standard. ‘Storm in a Teacup’ is a frank outpouring of feelings, charmingly told. It’s not a relentless stream of aching heart moments, and the positivity that slips through is enough to keep you interested.
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Simply put, I am not the target audience of this album. There are people out there who must surely love this album, and will get something out of the accompanying live show. At times a country record, at others a collection of heartbreak classics. The Red Clay Halo are an immaculate support to these songs, each getting a chance to shine at different points in the album.
There is nothing to say in deference to this album aside from it doesn’t do anything for me. For those who like their country slightly subverted, well composed but still relatively archetypal, then it’s worth giving this a listen.
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