Kate Walsh - Tim’s House (Blueberry Pie)
4/5
By: Michael Cragg
Context is everything with Kate Walsh's music. It won't change your mood, or alter your emotional state, but when it's listened to in a certain frame of mind it soars. I listened to it first on a Sunday afternoon, with a cup of tea and a chocolate flapjack; it's that kind of music, a warm, slowly engulfing hug of an album that puts Walsh's glowing vocals at the forefront.
Walsh was born 23 years ago in a tiny fishing village, a pretty little place surrounded by nature. Its close proximity to the sea may explain why she currently resides in Brighton, and this sense of space and stillness dominates 'Tim's House'.
Growing up in a small village had its advantages, but second track 'Talk Of The Town' documents Walsh's struggle in dealing with her sense of alienation in a place where fading into the background was par for the course. It lead to her moving schools no less then four times, and as a document of that time 'Talk Of The Town' is uncharacteristically bullish: "Because I'm just the talk of the town/ The obvious place for stealing your beautiful crown".
Elsewhere the lyrics focus on relationships of the more obvious kind, 'Don't Break My Heart' a clear thematic signpost. Vocally, Walsh is midway between British folk singer Kathryn Williams and sensitive soul Gemma Hayes, and yet it carries enough character to keep the songs interesting. It helps too that the music is effortlessly performed, shown to wonderful effect on standout track, 'Betty'. Over a carefully plucked guitar, Walsh's voice rises and falls in tandem with a surprisingly robust string section. In the context of what's been before it's as shocking as it is beautiful, as close to full-bodied as the album gets.
And yet, 'Tim's House' benefits from its slower pace, creating a lush suite of songs perfect for the forthcoming lazy summer afternoons. Whilst it may not be to everyone's taste - it does occasionally meander into MOR territory - it suits its purpose perfectly.
Artists in this article: Kate Walsh
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