Review of Rachel Sermanni’s EP ‘Black Currents’ released 6th February 2012.
Rachel Sermanni is no stranger to Highland audiences, lucky for us it has long been a gigging playground to the 20 year old singer song writer from Carrbridge.
The past year has been a self confessed whirlwind for Rachel Sermanni, taking her far and wide and through some amazing doors of opportunity. Rachel has received well deserved recognition for her unique spin on a time honoured genre, supporting an impressive array of acts, Mumford and Sons, Elvis Costello, Ron Sexsmith to name a few.It has all been leading up to the much anticipated Debut ‘Black Currents’ a self released EP that will launch Rachel Sermanni onto the new music scene and establish her as one of the Key acts to look out for in 2012.
As an exasperated observer of the rise in young Scottish talent that compromise the integrity of their gift by losing themselves to the effected, fashionable, Ellie Goulding type sounds that have dominated the airwaves. I had feared that Rachel Sermanni had been treading a fine line. However I sighed relief as Rachel Sermanni redeems herself, staying loyal to her roots and true to herself establishing a fresh and thank God, unique sound. ‘Black Currents’ is a 4 track offering.
The deep, haunting bass on the opening track intensify the expectation of this much awaited album, followed through with a delicate accapella vocal that awakens imagination. ‘Breathless’ is a tender song that soars.The lead track ‘The Fog’ chosen as the EP’s single is a playful song that toys with darker themes. This infectious song demands attention with a rhythm that drives the lyrics deep.
‘Black Currents’ a curious and captivating song that is superbly sexy, offering inventive musical arrangements in a dream like sequence.
The final track ‘A song for a Fox’ is a hypnotic song with a drifting melody and harmonies that bind. This hymnal echoes the influences in her journey to this point.
Rachel Sermanni has truly satisfied my need to hear something that sets her apart; ‘Black Currents’ is a radiant reflection of a raw talent. An aural feast of melody and lyrics that needs to be heard with the heart.
‘Black Currents’ is out 6th February (available on pre-order here) followed by the album launch tour which brings her to the Ironworks on the 4th February (tickets available from www.ironworksvenue.com)
Review by Julia Morgan
Photo by McIntosh Photography