Reviews
Artist:Brewers Daughter Album: Jara
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 12
Website: https://brewersdaughter.bigcartel.com/
The Brewer's Daughter is a singer in the folk tradition; writing lyric based songs with a strong social conscience. This second album, following "Make Believe" in 2016, concentrates far more on her own work with 9 of the 12 tracks written by Rhiannon Crutchley and a 10th as a co-write with Fraggle Fletcher.
These are not protest songs, as such, but concentrate on society and the human condition; reflecting on what has been and what might yet be if we regard humans as individuals rather than just an amorphous whole. Two tracks in particular show this well.
"Shells" takes as its subject a young girl who loved collecting shells on the beach but now its the shrapnel from shells in the war zone she lives in. Whilst set in the present this song could apply to so many periods of history, showing how little has changed for children caught up in politics and greed they have no control over. Immediately following this is "Language", which hopes for a world where humanity relies on each other in kindness rather than greed and children can play together now that boundaries have been outgrown.
As well as this world view there are songs very much concentrating on the individual in various ways and at various times. "Flesh" explores the nature of gender when "brain and body don't match" but ultimately there is a person, a you, that cannot be defined by boundaries.
Closing the album are the traditional "Lowlands Away" and a good cover of Dave Sudbury's "Burn The Wagon Down", emphasising that link to The Tradition that the Brewer's Daughter is maintaining. That is one of the strengths of this very good album. It does as folk music has always done; the present is examined, without forgetting the past and knowing there is a future we have the ability to shape.
Rhiannon provides the lead vocals on the album as well as providing guitar and fiddle. She sings very much in her own voice, which is deep and rich, and with her natural accent which is always good to hear. It bring an honesty and strength to the words which are clearly written from the heart and experience of life. In a crowded field this album will take a deserved place in any collection.
The album is launched on 27th February and will be available as both a download and CD, along with a limited edition vinyl available only on pre-sale. In addition there will be a live stream launch, also on the 27th, available through the artist's Facebook page.
Tony Birch
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