Alamanac the critically acclaimed album by Emily Barker and The Red Clay Halo, has been re-issued on Linn with two bonus tracks. The mesmerising ‘Pause’, which was used for the BBC 2 series The Shadow Line, appears in both its TV and original versions, the latter memorable for its grand pipe organ and lonely electric guitar which provide stark arrangement to the group’s mesmerizing vocal chorus.
The second bonus track is an alternate version of ‘Ropes’, which takes the listener on a month by month account of the disintegration of a relationship; the band, stir up a rebellious storm before the resolution.
Alamanac weaves a compelling musical tapestry; contemporary influences and classic folk-rooted song writing tell stories of love, renewal and good old-fashioned heartbreak, balancing lighter themes with darker truths.
Emily is a compelling songwriter with a gift for melody and words whose talent is perfectly complimented by the magnificent arrangements of The Red Clay Halo. Throughout the album, the interplay between the band's rootsy ensemble playing, and Barker’s agile vocal blend of strength and fragility, is effortlessly engaging. In moments when the four female voices combine to deliver arresting harmonies, it is simply blissful.
The Red Clay Halo band consists of Gill Sandell (accordion, flute, piano), Jo Silverston (cello, musical saw) and Anna Jenkins (violin) with guest artists Tom Mason (double bass) and Dan See (drums).
August 2013
