Gill Sandell
Album: Light The Boats
Label: Rowan Tree
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.gillsandell.com

Most recently out and about as an integral part of Emily Barker & The Red Clay Halo, but you may have seen her at the opening of the Olympics when she performed with Frank Turner, Gill Sandell is very much a performer in her own right. Her debut album, "Tarry Awhile" was well received and it comes as no surprise to find myself impressed with her follow up, "Light The Boats".

"Light The Boats" is one of those phrases that on the surface sounds quite positive, but actually has a dark undertone, it means to dump cargo in order to keep the boat afloat and hopefully survive. Similarly the album has some beautifully dark undertones that provide a contrast to the positive flow of the music.

Whilst Sandell is a consummate multi-instrumentalist, there is also a really refreshing quality to her voice. There is a clarity of tone that ensures you not only get to hear every word, you also get the inflection, ensuring that the meaning of the song comes shining through.

There is a sense of splendid isolation that runs though, "Light The Boats", something that is hinted at on the sleeve, but it leaves the question of that isolation being self imposed or exiled as a subtle open question.

Sandell continues to grow as both writer and performer. "Light The Boats" is an exquisitely written and performed album. Gill's understanding of both vocal presentation and a multi-instrumentalist approach reflects well in how the songs are arranged and really gives strength to the album as a whole. If she wasn't there already, Gill Sandell, has stepped into the premier league of musicians and is rapidly becoming a must have in any selection of contemporary, traditional music.

Neil King