Originally self released in her native Canada, this album has been picked up by progressive label Six Shooter, and the disc now has a real opportunity to reach the audience it deserves.
Even with the momentum of label behind it, this unassuming disc may struggle to gain attention; but those pioneering listeners who track down the album will find one of the purest and most engaging singer/songwriter discs in recent memory.
The opening track ‘Scattered and Small’ announces the album with real intent, superbly recorded acoustic guitar, backed by accordion and topped off by Curran’s disarming vocals.
The theme of simple arrangements carries on throughout, with her guitar and vocals added to by a range of backing including mandolin, clarinet and even some wonderfully appropriate brass in places.
The backing may be low key, but the lyrics make the whole collection shine, they’re reflective, but not at all self-indulgent, and the emotions and themes covered over the ten songs.
These are all masterfully constructed delicate songs of self doubt, lost love and the overall human condition, but this isn’t an album that is a chore to listen to or one that drags the listener into the malaise. Where she sings “I am just a Tuesday, in a world of Friday nights” (Just a Tuesday), the song revels in the strength she gains from this position; and the theme continues with “My enemies only had sass, and all I had was nerve” (The Furious Curve), and the whole song reads like a piece of poetry.
‘War Brides’ is an album that will appeal to just about anyone that hears it, it’s immediately accessible and packed with very easy-on-the-ear melodies – it certainly not flashy, but those that pick this up will be rewarded by a genuine, but unassuming gem.

Track listing
1 Scattered and Small
2 The Furious Curve
3 You Won’t Find Me
4 Time’s A Ticker
5 Devils
6 Everything I’ve Got to Give
7 All The Ladies
8 Just A Tuesday
9 Love’s Grave
10 The Sunday Song

£12.99