Reviews
Artist:March Album: All Of The Above
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 9
Website: https://www.marchofficial.uk
March is singer / songwriter from the UK and, as so often with artists today, it can be difficult to neatly compartmentalise her. I think that's a good thing; music should not fit neatly into a box. March is certainly folk, with that ethereal sound that drifts towards faerie, but with that alt-folk style which doesn't discount using percussion, keyboard or strings to build layers. Importantly, March realises that these things should support, not dominate, the lyrics. What leads on this album is her fine, delicate voice which pulls the listener in and makes them want to listen.
This is a début album, following an EP which has already sold out in hard format. That EP consisted of the first four tracks from the album, the selling point being that it came in a unique hand-painted cardboard sleeve which is a clever idea. The album is immediately worthy of note because all the music and lyrics are original, by the performer. I like that in a début album; it sets a stall out, showing an artists who will do things their way and has the confidence in their work to carry it through.
"For The World" has a gentleness but the song is about somebody who is full of insecurity, often wondering if she has what it takes to make the most of opportunities that come her way. "Simply" is a beautiful sounding track, again with this gentle soothing tone that flows incredibly well. Again the words have a fragility about them, of not being able to fully open up to somebody which means that nobody wins. There's a melancholy to the words that's very touching.
"A Cloud" is another melancholic song, as many are, about being left behind. Whilst the narrator is convincing themselves their fine on their own they still miss the significant other. This is a song that will find resonance with many people. How do we cope with that gap that is left behind? We carry on but there's inevitably a sense of loss. It's a rather beautifully touching song.
Closing the album "Daring To Love" ends on a potentially brighter note. Love means opening up to another person, which can be a scary thing. Compared to something of the other songs it progresses to a rockier feeling, building a sense of excitement and anticipation.
A strong point about this album is that it doesn't try to change the world. In a time of uncertainty and turmoil it's an ocean of calm. It's one of those albums where you lay back and let the music flow. It has that feeling of drifting down a river on a summer's day, although the lyrics can belie this feeling. There's a sense of community with this album. The booklet doesn't gives the lyrics, which isn't important because March sings in way that every word in crystal clear. However, it does list, by song, the other musicians and nice to see because they add so much to the sound. It was part funded by both Help Musicians UK and crowdfunding. It is good to see that music is still being supported in what has clearly been a difficult time for the industry. The album is available through the artist's Bandcamp page as either CD or download.
Tony Birch
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