I’m thrilled to say that the influential KLOF Magazine have reviewed my debut EP. The review was done by Nigel Spencer, formerly of Folk Police Recordings – something that is especially pleasing to me as I own a couple of Folk Police recordings – most notably the “Oak and Ash and Thorn” album based around Roger Bellamy’s recordings in the 1970s of collection of Kipling poems (fans of “IF” beware, there other poems!). This is my first ever professional review from a professional – and it feels very special to be reviewed amongst other musicians I follow and see perform live. It’s actually mind-blowing given my humble beginnings in music generally.
The full review can be read here. But here are some choice quotes:
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.
All the songs are given plenty of time and space to unfold – in fact, at 30 minutes long, it’s more of a short album than an EP. The string arrangements by Jas Scott have echoes of Robert Kirby’s work with Nick Drake and Shelagh McDonald, and are particularly lovely on the closer, a reprise of Selkie Child. Michelle’s guitar playing is complex and melodic, yet understated enough to remain sympathetic to – and never threaten to overwhelm – the centrality of the songs.
In keeping with some sort of tradition, the accompanying booklet includes lyrics, chords and simple notation for those wishing to have a go at playing the songs themselves. I really do hope the people take her up on this offer – in 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.