Catherine’s previous pair of albums have been characterised by delicate arrangements, effortlessly smooth vocals and heartfelt lyrics; they are all present and correct here but she’s added a more confident approach to the presentation with a filled out, robust sound that completes the picture and makes ‘Silhouette’ a standout contemporary folk album.
Her vocals are both rich and delicate, and her delivery of quiet, acoustic numbers has always been up there with the very best; the fuller soundscape on a number of songs shows the versatility of her voice and she’s obviously equally at home here.
This is perfectly demonstrated on the opening track, Stealin’, a song that sums the album up perfectly with lyrical depth, presented with an effortless vocal delivering great hooks, all backed by a first class group of musicians. It sets a high standard for the disc, but Catherine keeps up the pace with a varied range of songs that cross the boundaries between folk, roots and country.
Instrumentation includes a range of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, percussion and piano, and includes appearances from Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo) and Jadae Kelly.
The production here is beautifully organic, the acoustic songs are light and delicate and the change to the fuller band tracks is effortless with all 14 songs fitting into the whole collection. ‘Silhouette’ is an album that immediately feels like an old favourite and timeless album, easy to listen to and enjoy the vocals and melodies, but with real lyrical and emotional depth too. One of the albums of the year.
Track listing
1 Stealin'
2 Keep On Fighting
3 Now And Then
4 Eastern Girl
5 Keep My Eye On You
6 Lines On The Road
7 Black Crow
8 Sparrows
9 Old Tin Can
10 Trickle Down Rain
11 True Love
12 Same Way Again
13 Snowbird
14 Chop That Wood
review 09 August2011
