Reviews

Artist:Jessica Dives
Album: Halfway Lost EP
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: https://jessicadives.bandcamp.com/

Jessica Dives' attestation to being inspired by "the story stylings of Reg Meuross, the beauty and simplicity of Karine Polwart and the intricate guitar of John Smith" is amply reflected on the five tracks which make up this E.P. That is not to say, however, that the listener is subjected to a mundane replication of the aforementioned artists' qualities, on the contrary, Jessica's compositions are delivered in her own, individual style, with a welcome vibrancy often lacking in a debut release.

After a decade working in the theatre industry, this singer-songwriter, born in the South East, but adopted by the North West, combines the personal with more traditional folklore in storytelling which is both heartfelt and earnest, with catchy melodies that have a propensity to linger long in the memory.

This long-anticipated debut EP, 'Halfway Lost', signifies an important stage in Jessica's life, simultaneously marking both the end of an era and the start of a new one for her, covering themes of discovery, love, loss and reflection. As she explains, "This EP is deeply connected to massive personal shifts that I've experienced in recent years and is a real labour of love. These songs are brought together by a sense of searching and longing, and encapsulate some small but significant moments of discovery and transition."

With all songs written and performed by Jessica, who is credited with accordion, banjo, double bass, guitar, percussion and vocals, the E.P. was recorded, mixed and co-produced by Rich Harris-Bond, at Wise Tree Studios and mastered by Jason Mitchell at Loud Mastering. Accompanying Jessica are fellow musicians Amy Chalmers, violin, Rich Harris-Bond, clarinet and Andrew Lockhart, drums.

Opening track, 'No One (Ever Saw Me this Way)' released earlier this year as a single, to critical acclaim, is a cracking song which immediately grabs the attention, with heartfelt lyrics delivered in a vocal style which to these ears is redolent of Sarah Harmer, obviously a very good thing!

Next up is a version of the very first song that Jessica wrote, 'One Hand To The Wall'. Based on a piece of advice her dad gave her about how to find the centre of a hedge maze, this is an ideal showpiece for displaying Jessica's ability with words and storytelling. Clearly an important song for Jessica, Amy's melancholic violin adds further sensitivity to this vulnerable song.

"But quietly he taught to me, stood there in that maze No problem big or small one hand to the wall you'll never fall … But quietly on stormy seas I'll be right next to you Through problems big and small, One hand in mine and one to the wall You'll never fall."

A song written specifically for Halfway Lost follows. 'Little Boat Hold Steady', a reflective piece, inspired by the stillness of the Scottish Highlands, and written from a moment in time where Jessica was experiencing feelings of chaos and the unknown, which also coincided with her discovery of the Serbian-American Pullizer prize winning poet Charles Simic poem, The Wind Has Died. The ethereal atmosphere created by the musicians makes for a beguiling listen, and what might appear to be, at face value a mantra for a boat on story seas, is surely a metaphor.

The penultimate song, 'Where Are You?' is another strong track which again appears to allude to frailties and vulnerability. Jessica's sensitive accordion line leads the listener on a full-circle journey which begins and ends in a quiet hallway, left alone, as this well-constructed song explores the complex feeling of loneliness from within a relationship, both in terms of the physical and emotional. "How many times I've been resigned you're leaving me behind, another trip, Holding on to all that binds us but I'm losing my grip They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it's weeks like this I struggle to ignore, maybe we're just growing alone."

'Last Dance', the final track, is a poignant homage to dear friends who Jessica lost in recent years. Vivacious characters who loved to dance, they are immortalised on Youtube as the WOMAD Dancers. This is how they are remembered in this track, dancing arm in arm. A jaunty, fitting tribute indeed.

With 'Halfway Lost', Jessica Dives is to be congratulated on having produced an eminently listenable E.P. which gives full exposure to her undoubted songwriting and vocal abilities.

David Pratt

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