Jess Morgan
Album: The Bournemouth EP
Label: Amateur Boxer
Tracks: 4
Website: http://www.jessmorgan.co.uk

Following the release of 'Langa Langa' last year, 'The Bournemouth EP' is a collection of four wonderfully crafted, original 'Indie-Folk' songs. Across the entire release, the understated simplicity of the songs works superbly against Morgan's tentative voice and poignant lyrics.

Throughout the EP, the delicate treatment of the acoustic guitar is given space to breathe, whilst other instruments are gently hinted at; The laid back opening track 'Down In Flames' boasts subtle, yet beautifully executed slide guitar, pushing the track towards a definite Americana feel, a genre that is occasionally revisited later in the release in track two.

Similarly, in track four,'Simple Mantra', the sensitive acoustic guitar is the perfect foundation for the brief inclusion of a harmonica. The one-time union between the harmonica and Morgan's voice provides just enough lift to incur a wonderful sense of hope. This emotive sound marries with the reflective sentiment of lyrics such as; "I planned to stop and just do something simple, be kind to a man who is kind to me".

Morgan's voice itself has an authentic, honest quality about it, which for me magnifies the raw emotion in her frank, yet vulnerable lyrics.

All in all, a very well put together EP, I can't wait to see her live. Catch her this year at Warwick Folk Festival, Folk by the Oak, and the London Folk Festival.

Rhiannon Scutt