SUSY WALL – The Spaces In Between (own label)

The Spaces In BetweenThe Spaces In Between is yet another example of a début album from an artist that I’ve not come across before being an absolute gem. Susy grew up in near the Brecon Beacons in Wales and listened to all sorts of music which have influenced her ever since.  Of the album, she says it has been a lifetime in the making; from a second hand guitar in her bedroom when she was a teenager to being an adult with teenage children of her own.  It’s a journey between those two points and “all the spaces in between”.

Musically the album comes across as indie-pop but there’s so much more to it.  Also innovative, in a move I’ve not seen before, the album doesn’t come with a booklet.  Instead, if you want the sleeve notes and lyrics you can scan a QR code.  That makes sense because normally the font used is so small I can’t read anything and it saves paper.

Opening up the album ‘Diamonds In Trees’ sets the tone for music that’s going to be lyric led with the piano leading the various instruments.  There’s a nice idea to this song; we’re carbon based so not that far from being diamonds.  It’s a good paced track.

‘Dragonflies’ has that pop feel and is the track that gives us a real feel for the quality of Susy’s voice.  The lyrics are crystal clear, and her voice is full of warmth, in this sort of love story which contracts nicely with ‘Go Gently’, a rather lovely ballad.  Speaking of rather lovely ballads leaving the best until last, in my opinion, ‘Fred’s Song’ is an absolute instant classic.  Mainly voice and piano, with a touch of cello, it has an almost 40s vibe to it again using Susy’s voice to wonderful effect.  It’s beautiful.

As a début album this is a terrific first release from an artist who writes fantastic songs and has learnt the benefits of making connections. When you hear Findlay Napier providing backing vocals, with Gordon Giltrap and Anna Massie adding guitar then you know you’re listening to an artists other musician have a lot of respect for and these are just a few of the people Susy has brought to the party.   I think this album will get a lot of well deserved plaudits.

The album releases on September 27th but is available now to pre-order on Bandcamp, as a CD or download, and should certainly be considered.

Tony Birch

 Artist’s website: https://susywallmusic.co.uk/

‘Dragonflies’:

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