So, last Friday, I released my debut EP, and I’m pleased to be already getting early feedback and reviews from the folks who pre-ordered the CD/Digital Download. I can’t tell you how much it thrills me to get these positive messages. As an independent musician, your material is often exposed to a relatively small set of people before recording – and the recording process is quite an intense process again with a few people around – so you don’t always know if what you’re creating is hitting the mark. There’s an element of getting so close to the material that you’re no longer a good judge.
You can listen to the entire EP on Bandcamp and Soundcloud:
https://michellelaverick.bandcamp.com/album/selkie-child-ep
https://soundcloud.com/michelle-laverick/sets/selkie-child
So I want to share with you some of those comments coming in:
Official KLOF Magazine Review by Nigel Spencer (formerly of Folk Police Recordings)
Michelle Laverick. When I call her a songwriter, she’s far more than simply that: she’s a consummate storyteller in the mould of – for instance – 70s folk icon, Bob Pegg. She has the same ability to harmoniously weave together many disparate strands: the arcane and uncanny, a keen sense of place, universal themes rooted in her own experience. These elements combine to bring us a personal mythology where nothing is quite as it seems.
Michelle Laverick, we have another talented storyteller to join the illustrious ranks of North East song makers. Just maybe, in the magical world she has invited us to enter, cherries will one day grow on apple trees.
Full Review:
https://klofmag.com/2024/10/michelle-laverick-selkie-child/
Selkie Child, a tour de force. Hauntingly beautiful tracks, shape-shifting imagery, soulful and memorable. Highly recommend.
VR
The recording quality is first-rate, as is the instrumentation, from a diverse and sometimes unusual range. The harmonium & shruti box, merging with richly dark sounds from the cello, provide a mesmerising backdrop to the sensitive, tasteful and unobtrusive guitar accompaniments. Michelle’s vocals have a plaintive, heartfelt feel and, above all, are free of any affection or pyrotechnics, allowing the songs to live and breathe, so to speak. ‘Selkie Child’ has an eerie beauty, tinged perhaps with nostalgia and a longing to return, recollections of infancy in a place where deep tides ebb and flow and seals swim. It also suggests (to me) that we are changelings, always becoming something or someone else. Meanings in the song are ambiguous and, with all good art, leave plenty of room for interpretation. The music and lyrics are very evocative, and the EP held my attention the whole way through (no mean feat, I can tell you). Ideally listened to while gazing out to sea while sipping a single malt. Well done, Michelle, a masterpiece!
MG
Really blown away by your set. There’s this thing that only rarely happens for me at gigs where it feels like a tunnel develops between me and the performer and nothing else exists. It was there last night. Beautiful, intense, incredibly well crafted and so moving. The songs are touching people. There’s such an honesty and authenticity in what you give in performance. It’s so moving to see that giving, with such beauty and craft and skill – and warmth. It feels like an irresistible hand offered for contact. Wow! Thank you x|
KT
What beautiful sounding songs! Your guitar sound and playing is gorgeous. The lyrics are deep and thought provoking. Your voice is great and the booklet is really nice. Wow! Love it. I’ve had a welcome break listening to your magical music.
JW
I’ve been listening. Actually listening. Love it, deep and haunting and much more. Will keep listening
MS
So I’ve had a chance to listen. This is a sit-down and listen EP, not a put-on in the background EP. I love the open tunings and guitar work. Gives lots of atmosphere and depth to the sound. I like the reworking of the Butcher’s Boy, but my stand-out track is “Sweet Tees”. The lyrics are arresting. I also really like the “The Mercy”. Your lyrics often feel deeply personal, and I applaud your confidence in giving the songs the time they need rather than fitting them into 3/4 minutes. I congratulate you – a work to be proud of in my humble opinion.
HC
Just returned from a holiday to find your EP. I expect you’re very pleased with this fine set of songs: beautifully sung and performed, atmospheric and tasteful.
DB
Great songs. Michelle, The Butcher’s Daughter, in particular, did it for me….what a hook in the chorus!
PH
Brilliant. Michelle and I think any musician would feel the same 
x
CR
Just listened to it, love it! Thanks for sharing it with me, Michelle. Excellent production too
HH
I listened to it yesterday evening. They are beautiful, haunting pieces of music, which reminds me in places of Jeff Buckley. I really hope it gets a wider play.
PM
Only on the title track so far – gorgeous song, fantastic lyrics.
NS
Thank you so, so much, Michelle, for your wonderful CD! You are very generous, as well as super talented. Gorgeous music. Thanks again! 
X X X
AM
I absolutely love the track “Selkie Child”, and it’s really beautiful. I love the descending melodies and the lyrics. I think the story you tell is really powerful. It’s fantastic.
MM