It's cold and wintry outside. You feel like hibernating; staying in bed until the weather gets warmer. You get to thinking about where you've been, where things are going and why you never seem to have enough money. You're thankful for the support of friends and family but this doesn't quite erase the melancholy mood.
Catherine MacLellan, a young singer-songwriter from Prince Edward Island, Canada, was in this state of mind when she wrote the songs on this album: "I was just finding a way to communicate my sadness and my feelings that I couldn't necessarily express directly to people. I wrote most of the songs in the winter or the fall, when everything is dying and really quiet. It definitely represents that mood."
The first words establish the tone: "This is where the dreams dissolve, this is where illusions shatter". The emotional low continues throughout the twelve songs before closing with "Long Time", a moving tribute to her father, singer/songwriter Gene MacLellan , who died when she was in her teens : "I could use you now to guide me somehow".
She doesn't look to externalise these emotions or place blame elsewhere. The songs are introspective and ultimately about overcoming doubts and difficulties; gaining strength from recognising the need to "face up to the hard truths" (Too Easy) and eventually the resolve " to get some things done"( January Song).
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The tunes are simple and beautifully sung with a quiet, intimate voice. The backing is meticulous and melodic with lyrical interplay of acoustic and electric guitar between her and musical partner James Phelps.
It's a low key record but by no means a downbeat one. Although it's a little too one paced, the implicit message of hope keeps the listener afloat.
That Catherine MacLellan has come through it all smiling is evidenced by the sleeve photos which include a couple of her proudly holding her baby daughter.
It’s a nice album although personally, I'd have welcomed a song or two to reflect the fact that spring follows the fall and winter. Maybe she’s saving these for her next release.
12t - 54.17m
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