Customer Reviews

Old Low Light

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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"OLD LOW LIGHT",Kathryn Williams'third studio album,is a perfect introduction to this remarkably talented english singer-songwriter's music.From the opening notes of"LITTLE BLACK NUMBERS"to the beautiful final track"3AM PHONECALL",the listener is taken on a fascinating and unique musical journey through the mind,heart and soul of a young genius.Williams' songs are minimalistic,soft and melodic,combining elements of Folk,Jazz,Classical Music and Pop to great effect.Her rich,smooth,silky voice and melancholic,thought provoking lyrics("You've watched all the romance on the television,it's too much to bear,you got to get a new sort of vision,you've done your best at the gym,you've got your lip-gloss on,you're going to the doctors to see if it's a medical problem".Track11-"NO ONE TAKES YOU HOME")put her head and shoulders above most other contemporary songwriters.If you appreciate and respect such great artists as Nick Drake,Tim Buckley and Sandy Denny,then you should definitely buy this album(as well as"LITTLE BLACK NUMBERS" and "DOG LEAP STAIRS",which are just as good).Kathryn Williams is a very special talent.Give her music a chance and you won't be disappointed.

This is Kathryns third album. It is a very enjoyable album and those who have not listened to any of her other stuff will be very impressed. The tracks "Tradition", "Wolf" and "Mirrorball" stand out as the best tracks. They are minimalist, tender songs with no pretence and suit her mellow vocal. I dislike "No-one takes you home" and it seems to me like with this song she is veering towards a commercial audience. In my opinion, her sweet voice is done no favours by a harsh poppy backdrop.
Fans of "Fell Down Fast" will like the "Little Black Numbers" track on here as it has that same Cello which works so well for her.
I have been to see Kathryn live twice and she did a great show both times. If you get the chance go and see her.

I'm baffled by this album - its musical curiosity is profounding - it swoons gleefully along, tickling every inch of your melancholic self without really ever causing you to wipe the sympathetic grin off your face, such is it's ambivalent simplicity.

In many ways it reminds me a pre-fame David Gray (comparisons are inevitable, especially as they are signed to the same record label) - all atmosphere and soul. However, while Gray's dramatic rasp draws you into that of his world, 'Old Low Light' seems to reflect the experiences of your own. Understated whether joyful or solemn, Williams' unpretentious vocals are so serene they are huggable. Accompanying instrumental harmonies caress her voice as does a sunset to a fading horizon, teasing an altogether unfamiliar (and unforgettable) conclusion.

As with so many great albums, this is not instantly infectious, but once you have got over its subtle, yet charming differences you will feel embalmed with a sense of delight for having being bold enough to buy it

'Old Low Light' makes David Grays 'White Ladder' pale in comparison because it never tries to impress. This is musical brilliance at its best - because it doesn't know quite how good it really is.

Buy it and be fulfilled forever.