Gemma Hayes - 'Night On My Side' (Source)
4/5
By: Toby L
There's always something worrying about the term 'singer-songwriter'. Immediately, the first impression that springs to mind are whining people that sing about their tormented lives via the aid of a particularly tame acoustic-guitar. Boring.
But, when these characters branch out and create their own sound, distinctive partly due to their vision - which can never be displayed within a full band, usually because the persons involved are too precise to conform to other people's ideas - then you know you're listening to something special.
Those that will have heard Gemma Hayes' inaugural EPs in the last twelve months would have heard that something 'special', for instance. Seemingly recorded on a budget that wouldn't feed a pet mouse for a week, the tracks resulting from Hayes' early sessions revealed an epic talent, capable of flourishing lullabies that could break even the hardest of hearts. Now, though, with her first LP to date, 'Night On My Side', she has set herself the challenge of documenting her sincere and wistful romanticism with all the perks of a major producer - Dave Fridmann, no less - and the publicity surrounding its release which has evoked considerable reaction.
Luckily, all her work to date has paid off in this fine twelve-track recording. Rich of the passion and sleekness that her original efforts leaked on to the listener, 'Night...' emphasises past endeavours by providing bolder arrangements, singling out Hayes' subtle though endearingly beautiful vocal without ever conjuring to mind the term 'over-produced'. Particularly of instant merit are such numbers as recent single 'Hanging Around', not to mention the sumptuous 'Let A Good Thing Go'; elsewhere, the material becomes slightly haunting, best appreciated and understood after multiple listens.
In a moment of musical-time where image overtakes content, Gemma Hayes is a timely reminder of the pleasure that can be obtained when substance is king - and style merely oozes off the back of it. Go on - feed off her soul now.
Artists in this article: Gemma Hayes
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