EP Review: Beth Frisby – Torn Away

If I’m going to start reviewing some music for NottinghamLIVE it might help to get a bit of my background and tastes. I’ve always been ‘into’ music. My first singles were Two Tribes by Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Like A Virgin by Madonna. I was 9. God knows what my parents thought. I largely hated the 80’s musically and retreated into Metal and Goth (have subsequently re-evaluated a bit) but then enjoyed Rave, Grunge and Indie through the 90’s. I’m an avid BBC 6 Music listener and am rarely found without my ipod or DAB. I enjoy ‘real’ music which can include electronica but at heart I do like my guitars and my lyrics. That said, I appreciate all music for its creativity and have had recent interest spiked by a glut of local artists who seem to be playing to a high standard without getting picked up.

Wandering Eyes 1600

So what better first review than singer/songwriter Beth Frisby’s first release ‘Wandering Eyes’. First impressions present a haunting vocal on the opening track ‘Torn Away’ with some biting lyrics. Musically it is understated and possibly a little over produced for my taste but it largely adds to the slightly ‘other worldly’ aspects of the overall sound. Having checked out Beth’s YouTube channel, where she performs a couple of covers as well as playing the video to Torn Away, I have to say I think her voice can stand up and possibly didn’t need as much ‘effect’ adding to it in the single  but that said it creates the atmosphere that I suspect she was after.

Second up is the EP’s title track ‘Wandering Eyes ft Frazer Lowrie’ which continues the atmosphere and strong vocal performance with understated music. Frazer Lowrie adds depth to the vocal work that works well with Beth’s delicate voice.

‘For You’ has a dark and moody tone that is slightly reminiscent of Morcheeba. It’s a sound that is attractive and works well for me and the lyrics match the musical tone but sang so gently it’s easy to miss.

Finally ‘See Through This’ concludes the work with the most pace and a more uplifting sound and message that encourages me to listen again. Always a good idea to end on a positive note. The drum work and instrumentation is still understated but also brings a smile to the face.

This is very much an EP and not a single with 3 throwaway tracks. In fact I’d say that ‘See Through This’ is the more obvious single. What this does is introduce you to what Beth wants to do and how well she can do it.

Overall I would say this is a very good first release, creating a post club chill out vibe or lazy Sunday afternoon (depending which stage of life you’re at). Beth’s voice is easy to listen to and enjoy and musically, whilst pushing no boundaries, it fits well with the overall image or sound I think Beth was after. It’s interesting as I could see Beth’s voice working equally well in a heavy music sound like Evanescence but if this is the direction she wants to go then she has started with a very accomplished EP that demands repeated listening.

Review by RedDom

 

 

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