TRACK LIST:
1. Dark Cloud 5:06
2. Temples 5:15
3. Strangers 6:30
4. Cry Back Moon 4:56
5. Burnt Offerings 6:25
6. Rabbit Eyes 3:25
7. Radio Silence 5:36
8. Skysailing 4:14
9. The Old Sewing Woman's Song 9:10
LINE UP :
Jo Beth Young - vocals, instruments
with:
Jules Bangs - bass
Peter Yates - guitars, ebow, keyboards
Helen Ross - violin
Ben Roberts - cello
Matthew Rochford - guitars, ebow
Ric Byer - drums
Matt Blackie - percussion
Prolusion.
UK artist Jo Beth Young started to release albums under different monikers a few years back, with one album issued as Talitha Rise and then opting for the moniker Rise on this second album "Strangers". Young has switched over to using her real name on subsequent releases, and has also reissued this album under her own name.
Analysis.
Just where to place Young in terms of style is a bit of a puzzle. For fans of progressive rock it is safe to say that her music doesn't readily fall within the confines of this particular universe, but it is music that has aspects and traits that will be of interest to people with an interest in this universe. Certain similarities with artists such as Kate Bush and Bjork should to some extent indicate the people that most readily will find the material on this album interesting.
String instruments and the piano are the perhaps main and dominant instruments throughout here. The piano, when present, is primarily used for wandering motifs that come with a bit of a classical music touch. The string instruments are used in a slightly broader manner, at some points providing textures with a bit more of a classical chamber music feel, on other occasions chipping in with elements that appear to have a bit more of a folk music touch to them. In addition we have textures with more of a drone quality to them that is a part of the total experience, some rhythms sneak their way in, and occasional nods to trip hop and rock music are present too.
The meat of this album is the vocals however. Young has a strong and melodic voice, and she is able to use it to provide soft and delicate singing as well as going for a powerful and haunting delivery and also a sharper and more cutting tone and timbre. The songs ebb and flow with her voice and her choice of delivery, with the instrumentation switching between backing her vocals or emphasizing the mood and atmosphere she wants to convey.
As such this is also an album where it is a requirement to find Young's voice and vocals interesting, as this is a production that in many ways is carried by and revolves around the vocals to a perhaps greater extent than many other vocal dominated albums I have encountered. In terms of comparisons she combines the more untamed aspects of Bjork with the control and range of Kate Bush, while the general mood, atmosphere and creative spark at times reminds me of a very different artist that uses the stage name Aurora.
Otherwise I note that the mix and production has been done very well here, managing to highlight the careful nuances as well as the moments of power and force that are present, and managing to emphasize the often otherworldly feel of this production really well too.
Conclusion.
While "Strangers" probably won't ever be regarded as a purebred progressive rock album as such, it is a production that should have a strong appeal among those who enjoy artists like Bjork and Kate Bush, and then in particular among those who find the vocals of those artists a primary interest. In terms of style I'd suggest that this album might be filed under neo-classical or neo-folk, as my impression is that each of them is as good as the other. I also suspect that at least some of the fans of aforementioned Aurora might be intrigued by this production if they should come across it at some point.
Progmessor: January 2023
The Rating Room
