Reviews
Artist:Roxanne de Bastion Album: Ultraviolet
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 4
Website: https://roxannedebastion.com/
It doesn't fee like a coincidence that Roxanne de Bastion opened for Nerina Pallot earlier in her career as there is a certain similarity in approach to songwriting and performing. Both from the generation when Kate Bush was an influence (either acknowledged or subliminal), but they have managed to step out from that influence to create a sound that reflects the best of earlier singer songwriters, but which is still uniquely their own.
Roxanne's new EP opens with 'UV,' comparing relationship blinkers to needing the black light lamp which shows up the things only visible under ultraviolet light. And that slightly off beat analogy sums up the charm of her writing beautifully. Written with another fine songwriter, Jessica Sharman, she says "I liked the concept of ultraviolet light - invisible to the human eye - and used it as a metaphor for how current structures aren't built for everyone and that we might need different ways of doing things (i.e. a blacklight), to bring silenced voices to the fore."
'Future Tense' is a piano led tune with her vocals placed right in your ear, with washes of ethereal keyboards and voices behind her, she offers a song that expresses a more positive view of life. Also, the first time I've come across the word "happenstance" in song lyrics. She's not afraid to use the words she feels, which makes her writing delightfully literary, another similarity with Nerina Pallot.
Single 'Skin' kicks in with the dirtiest fuzz guitar this side of Neil Young. Another relationship analysis. The stream of consciousness lyrics are just great. I think everyone who has questioned their life will recognise the presence of Captain Subtext - "he lives between the lines" - brilliant.
We finish with another sparse piano ballad, 'Relentless.' A musing on the state of the world, "we look for meaning in terrible places, we love to reminisce about time we never experienced." The song builds to a bug finish with supporting male vocals (producer Ed Harcourt perhaps?). her conclusion that "I'm not built for the present I don't live for the moment" may sound on the surface pessimistic but is in truth an observation of how so many people approach their lives.
In a year of some excellent female singer songwriters producing new work Roxanne de Bastion has produced one of the best. It comes close behind her book and album "The Piano Player Of Budapest" where she took her Grandfather's music and life surviving the holocaust and is another among many "must hear" albums from her.
Tim Martin
| Previous | Next |
|---|---|
| Sarah Blasko: I Just Need To Conquer This Mountain | Pete Lambert: I Told You A Story |
Recent Reviews
- Various Artists:Best_Day_Of_All_Time
- Toby Shaer:Amalgum
- Siskin Green:Living In The Echo
- Nick Jonah Davis:Rose Delta Rising
- Kasper Berry Rapkin & The Swamp Dogs:Blues From The Land Of The Living
- Good Habits:Better For Now
- Chrissy Amphlett:Some Times
- Carrie Martin:Le Fay
- Brothers Gillespie:Kingfisher
- Wynonna:The Hard Truth
Red & White Blood Cells
Fatea Showcase Sessions
The Fatea Showcase Sessions are a series of downloads featuring acts that we've really enjoyed and think that more people should get the chance to hear.
Pirate is the current session and features 16 fantastic artists check out the website to find out more about them and download your copy
www.fatea-showcase-sessions.co.uk for all the artist information.