Emma Kieran is a young artist who started music at an early age and took some of that experience to make her debut Wildflow. Kieran mentions: “Her music has echoes of Kacey Musgraves, Colbie Caillat, Nanci Griffith, John Denver and Jewel — some of the many singer/songwriters she has been influenced by over the years.” I say those of are good comparisons. She definitely fits into the singer/songwriter category.
At the heart of these songs are the vocals and guitars. On that note some of the songs which do have more instrumentation were a nice way to introduce different dynamics so the album didn’t feel too static. The album starts with “Wonder” and is a slower, warm ballad that sounds more hopefully and full as it progresses. This could have also been a good closer. The a cappella vocals might have been my favorite part of the song. “Alchemy” was a highlight. The song is upbeat, has a solid country/folk groove and exceptional hooks. “Old Woman in the Wood” is stripped back and warm, and a melancholy song while “Wildflower” picks up the energy with some fantastic string included that sounds like mandolin. “Different Way Now” is a very intimate piano ballad. My only critique was the odd sixth track “A Message For You” which felt like a general PSA on her thoughts on the world in a very broad way. It did take me out of the album because it felt like an unnecessary intermission/speech that while very positive and heartfelt disrupted the flow and emotional charge of the album. The more somber “English Breakfast Tea” is followed but the slightly more hopeful sentiment of “Dream Away.” I enjoyed “Millions Balloons” and “Jupiter and Saturn” which were quite good but the other highlight was “Roundabout.” I was in college over twenty years ago now. These sort of reflections I noticed in her music definitely has more of a 20’s something type of quality in terms of themes. It goes to show a lot of these topics are timeless but also specifically resonate more with younger artists who are coming of age. Overall, I thought this was a great album. Kieran has a really nice voice and I thought the songwriting was consistently solid. Take a listen.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
Critique/insightWe are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.
Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook
Archives
May 2024
|