Rebecca De Winter
Album: ...And Other Tales
Label: Brother Sister
Tracks: 11
Website: www.reverbnation.com/rebeccadewinter

Rebecca De Winter’s debut album “…And Other Tales” is an uplifting yet thoughtful collection of stories and confessions, that help us piece together a character that can embrace sorrow like an old friend, knowing she’ll come out stronger because of it.I admit that initially I wasn’t sure how well I was going to get on with this album, but with each listen I found new complexities in the songs that have resulted in me listening to this on repeat for almost two weeks.

From my first listening of this album the thing that initially captured me was the more upbeat songs that you can dance around the house to. Songs like ‘Shy Bride’ and ‘Heartbreaking Fall’ that have the delicate balance of , joyful melodies contrasting with the rather melancholy lyrics. She depicts ‘a bitter old twisted matriarch’ in an intriguing way that makes it sound like one of the most beautiful things she’s ever known.

What struck me next were the songs that focus more on the combination of intricate piano and her refreshing vocals that creates a heartfelt, intimate sound, like you’re being sung to, not at. She doesn’t try to complicate her songs by adding any unnecessary superficial details, what you see is what you get. She just sings and it’s captivating. It’s not just something she’s thrown together; the lyrics and melody create a picture of her balancing act of emotion.

From track to track this album had me questioning whether I should be laughing or crying, unable to decide on which song I like the most, as every time the track changes I have a new favourite. This album resides permanently in my head and I can only see myself liking it more and more.

Leila Dara