Lorraine McCauley & The Borderlands
Album: Light In The Darkest Corners
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://lorrainemccauley.wordpress.com/tag/lorraine-mccauley/

Light in the Darkest Corners is the captivating debut album by Lorraine McCauley and The Borderlands. With two prior E.P's released, Lorraine has managed to familiarise herself with contemporary folk in her home city, Edinburgh.

Every so often, song writers attempt folk, Lorraine and her band soared through and created beauty. Recently, I saw the term 'underrated gem' which is definitely appropriate for this album, and Lorraine as an artist. Her lyrics mesmerise the listen as Jonee Duggan (accordionist) Nick Jenkins (Viola, Mandolin, and Fiddle), Billy Hamilton (Cello) and Mat Clements (Percussion) weave melodies around the soft and enchanting voice of Lorraine.

It is so refreshing to find an artist who is taking risks by personally funding the music, Light in the Darkest Corners has been funded by pledges from loyal fans on a website and is set to released this month. More often than not labels brainwash artists into commercial ideals, yet it is clear by Light in the Darkest Corners that Lorraine and her band have stuck by their original roots in the three years of working together. Personally, I hope they never do. This album is the first milestone towards opening the doors of true potential.

The first track of the album; 'Light in the Darkest Corners' is a hauntingly beautiful song which presents the idea of breaking free from the expectations of others. At some point in all of our lives, we are presented with the feat of disappointment, as humans it is in our nature to care and to have a conscience; a universal subject completed by melody. Light in the Darkest Corners enforces the idea of optimism; it's about finding the good in all situations

Lorraine takes a simple melody in each of her songs and uplifts it with her vocal ability. Each of the ten tracks featured presents a different scenario differing from the last. Contrasting with the haunting first track previously mentioned is 'Stepping Stones' with its sensational and uplifting introduction, here The Borderlands take control and play a perfect melody which creates a sense of contentment and reassurance. Stepping Stones and Big Love certainly reach out to the fans of modern folk, its melodies and context are similar to that of artists such as Laura Marling.

It is clear that Lorraine McCauley has created her identity around independence, many of the tracks featured seem to hide a refreshing truth about her dominance as an artist, maybe even as a woman. There is no doubt that she has a raw talent to inspire and enchant all ages. Her music should be appreciated for what it is, but most importantly celebrated.

Louise Draper