Carly Bryant has enjoyed a fair bit of success this year,
bouncing around from place to place doing an impressive number of
things. From her stint opening for Ani DiFranco on her tour to
being chosen for iTunes Essentials Album with her song Bonfire
City; a track from her previous album Sing A Song of Sixpence,
Bryant has been gathering acclaim and has confirmed a tour of
Brazil, joining forces with international superstar Nadeah.
On top of this, her new album, Four and Twenty Blackbirds has
just been released. A bluesy yet upbeat, loungey sounding record,
Bryant describes its sound as sitting somewhere between Paul
McCartney and Fiona Apple.
Carly's chameleon voice flicks easily from husky tones into
higher pitched notes, singing songs whose lyrics all tell charming
little stories, such as Satellites, which is about a woman who
lives in a tiny village who just gets internet access for the first
time: "She's going dancing from satellite to satellite/With young
rich beautiful, wild free single astronauts, neurologists,
philosophers and artists," and Hang Me Off A Cliff: "I'll guess
your name thrice/And choose a frog to kiss/My big eyes are all the
better to see you with," of which I'm not entirely sure of the
meaning, but with its jaunty bassline and pretty guitar melodies,
it doesn't matter.
Carly really showcases her talents with this fourth album. From
songwriting, to piano playing to singing and playing the guitar,
the piano heavy melodies, pitch perfect harmonies and brass
instruments featured in Four And Twenty Blackbirds make for some
really lovely, laid back tracks, which are definitely worth a
listen too.
The Lexington in Angel, N1 is a quirky little place, with
regal-themed sofas and variously sized antlers adorning the walls.
So it seems a fitting place for a gig supporting the launch night
of Carly Bryant's fourth studio album, Four And Twenty Blackbirds,
on 10 August 2012.
The opening act were four-piece rock band The Shoestrung, who
happily tell everyone that they're excited to play this gig because
it means they can play country and acoustic, which their manager
doesn't usually let them do. This is a shame, because the songs are
really lovely, pleasing harmonies and melody lines tied together
with quirky basslines. The bouncy four piece set the tone for the
evening and I am optimistic for what is coming next, despite not
being able to afford a drink.
Carly played with a full band, including a double bass, which
was a nice touch. The opening song was H.E.L.P, the first track on
the album; a jaunty track which will doubtless be stuck in my head
for at least another week. The atmosphere was great because as well
as hitting all the notes with complete ease and playing a
technically very good set, Carly keep everyone entertained, making
jokes in between songs and telling everyone the back stories to the
lyrics.
At the end of the show the support band were invited back on
stage to sing the harmonies on the closer, which was fun as it was
clear to see that they were all mates just having a great time. It
was reminiscent of a really polished jam session that we were all
invited to watch. I left the Lexington in a really good mood,
having thoroughly enjoyed myself.
Buy Carly's new album on iTunes, or click
here
Carly plays at the Purbeck Folk Festival on 26
August 2012.
For further dates, visit her website: www.carlybryant.com
PHOTO CREDIT EDUARDO FLOREZ
