Short Reviews [Rachael Dadd - 2022 - "Kaleidoscope"]

Rachael Dadd is an English folk artist who in many ways reminds me of Jo Beth Young, and it would not take much for me to suggest this album actually belongs as much in prog folk as it does in contemporary or experimental folk music. At the heart of everything are her wonderful vocals, and I am sure the songs are normally written when she is playing the piano as this often underpins what is taking place, but then on top of that we get many more instruments to provide gossamer layers. The music is highly arranged yet there is always plenty of space and it never feels as if it is being constrained in any way. Vocals may be clean and clear, or they may be multi-harmonised, and one can see how she has been influenced by the likes of Anna Ryder and Tori Amos, creating soundscapes which draw in the listener, always in a warm and inviting manner as opposed to be cloying and over the top. The result is an album which is delicate yet full of strength, passionate yet restrained, emotional yet somehow quite clinical at the same time. Co-produced by Rachael and Rob Pemberton (The Staves, Emily Barker, Maja Lena), ‘Kaleidoscope’ includes musical collaborators such as Maja Lena (Low Chimes), long-time collaborator Emma Gatrill (Willy Mason), Alex Heane (bass), Charlotte West (synths), Alex Garden (strings) and ‘Flux’ producer Marcus Hamblett (Villagers, James Holden, The Staves). Everyone is used effectively so while there are indeed some passages where everyone is involved, there are plenty of others where one or more take a break and let the music flow around them. The result is something which feels very special indeed, invigorating like a fresh mountain stream, with an inner beauty which is there to be discovered by anyone prepared to take the walk. This is an album which will be enjoyed by those who like folk to be a base which is then used to expand outwards into new areas.