Road by Angie Palmer

uk

We receive many self-released albums for consideration, in general they're a mixed bag with the occasional gem, but unfortunately most just aren't suitable - after my first listen to 'Road' I was checking to see if this really was a self released disc without a label behind it as it's one of the most striking independent releases I've heard - it's confident, assured, varied and a fully formed and realised collection. 

'Road' is a really easy disc to listen to, this is possibly because there are identifiable vocal and musical influences throughout, but these are very subtle and rather than coming across as a pastiche, it gives the disc an accessible and welcoming feel, but she manages to strike the perfect balance between familiarity and freshness as this obviously a distinct and individual piece of work.

Lyrically this is an interesting album, she covers traditional songwriter themes well on many of the songs, but the first and last tracks are the obvious standouts, they're both substantial songs with dramatic and vivid lyrics that are full of myth and metaphor and certainly open to varied interpretation. It's a musically diverse album that moves between styles well, but overall there's the slightest country feel throughout- this is probably due to the choice of instrumentation which has a good amount of excellent violin and mandolin on top of the standard acoustic and electric guitars. Other detail is provided by cello and Hammond, and this mix of instrumentation works together well and suits both the acoustic and the fuller sounding songs, but even at its busiest everything is well controlled and never over-powers Angie's expressive vocals.

There are a good number of standout tracks here, 'Footprints in the Snow' and 'The Ballad of Love and Strife' are both upbeat songs with great melodies that are very easy to listen to, and 'Satellites' is a track full of atmosphere with an excellent vocal. The final track is clearly the one that will stick with you, 'Down the Street of the Cat Who Fished' is a nine minute acoustic song that lyrically and structurally nods towards 'Desolation Row', it's a wonderfully constructed song with a simple guitar riff and excellent lyrics.

Although Angie may not be well known outside the North West (and that's the English North West, not Washington State), this excellent disc deserves to find its way to a much wider audience.

Recommended.

Angie Palmer has been playing and singing all her life. From busking her way round Europe at 18 to playing at Glastonbury Festival, she gathers fans where ever she plays.

With her striking looks and commanding stage presence she creates a musical force that is hard to ignore.

Female guitarists are rare, those who play as well as Angie are rarer still.

Angie's voice encompasses the blues growl of Janice Joplin through to the clear high tones of Joni Mitchel. She can be seen throughout the UK and Europe playing as a solo artist or working with her band of fantastic musicians The Revalators (most of whom are guests on her recent album Road).

She has written nearly 40 songs many of which are available on her 3 albums; A Certain Kind Of Distance( 1999), Romantica Obscura ( 2001 )

and Road (2004).

Average Customer Review: 4