18 July 2022

Review: Barry Oreck – Leap Year

Oreck’s fourth studio album, ‘Leap Year’ incorporates a range of genres from folk to bluegrass and country. With the support of his band, Jesse Miller (guitar, mandolin, and vocals), Rima Fand (violin and vocals), and Adam Armstrong (bass), Oreck creates some beautiful vocal harmonies which helps to bring the thought-provoking lyrics to life. He began exploring these songs as the world shut down for two years due to Covid and this is the end result. The record opens with the compelling ‘Each Song is a Seed’ which touches upon the power of a song to flatten your defences and capture the heart. Producer/Engineer, Bob Harris has done a brilliant job with the production which shouldn’t be overlooked. The stand out track comes in the form of the closing track, ‘Life in the Bubble’ which directly addresses the struggle of the pandemic, documenting this moment in history the way Oreck saw it. It’s simple and stripped back but the lyrics are strong and relatable and the producton allows them the space they need to land with the listener. 

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Review: Laura Evans – State of Mind

Originally from the Welsh valleys where singing is just a way of life for everyone, Laura Evans and her powerhouse vocals take you on a journey with her new album ‘State of Mind’. After first bursting onto the scene in 2020, with her single ‘Running Back To You’, Evans really hones in on her own unique sound on her latest record. Her storytelling lyrics shine through Josiah J Manning’s arrangement and production, which perfectly frames her sweet vocals. Manning played every instrument on the record which is something to be admired and applauded. One of the stand out tracks is the single ‘I’m Alright’. Slightly more blues-rock than country, there is a swagger to it’s delivery whilst the chorus is uplifting and anthemic. Known for her love of ballads, Evans packs a punch with ballads she has on this record. From the raw and vulnerable single-take of ‘Fool’ to the classic country feel of ‘Let You Down Easy’, they tug on the heartstrings and you find yourself holding your breath as you hang on every lyric. ‘State of Mind’ excites us, it’s a record that pulls together all of those blues, rock and country influences and delivers some spellbinding storytelling lyrics with a powerful vocal performance. The future looks bright for Evans.  

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