Reb Capper
Album: Bakelite
Label: Backwater
Tracks: 14
Website: http://www.rebcappermusic.com

When I heard Reb Capper's "The Half Elf" EP, part of the review contained the phrase 'A premier league singer/songwriter that reminds me of the buzz and excitement of early Kate Bush.' Of course that statement was made before Kate's triumphant live return with "Before The Dawn" but having heard Reb Capper's debut full length album, I'm not inclined to change a word.

The Kate Bush reference remains valid, there are similarities in the vocal style, the slightly quirky look at the world, but "Bakelite" does see Reb Capper definitely marking her own territory as songwriter, singer and pianist. It's the latter that mark out the light and shade on the album and it serves to remind me how much I've missed that instrument as a lead. Too often these days it's become a bit player, but here on "Bakelite" it's very much to the fore.

I also like the way it seems to position it's self. This isn't a battered old pub piano to gather around and sing drinking songs. Nor does it come across as a concert grand, aloof and slightly away from the audience and distracting them from the person at the keys. No, this is a parlour piano, one that is at the heart of the family because it's part of the family and it's got the key role of entertaining the family.

"Bakelike" is an album rich in alagory, one that harks back to childhood dreams and places them in an adult context, exactly like fairytales used to do. Almost inevitably I find myself being drawn to the quirky tracks, "Masquerade", "Teddy Bears Picnic" and "Goblin King", but that is sometimes the only antidote to the really moving tracks such as "Colour" and "Egg Shells".

Reb Capper has a voice that transports you to a different place. "Bakelite" is an album that really allows you to explore that place. You listen to "Bakelite" and you do feel a familiarity, but it's one that reminds you that whilst you've missed it, you recognise that like an old friend that's been away it's changed, but it is such a welcome feeling.

"Bakelite" shows that Reb Capper truly is an artist to be reckoned with, one that will hopefully reach a wider audience, it short, this is an excellent recording. It's already delivered a lot over repeated plays and there's bucket more to come, I invite you into the experience.

Neil King