Hannah in the Wars - Album Review: Hannah in the Wars
A guitar strums its sparkly harmonic tones to an earnest
marching rhythm, and then she sings, and what a voice, very pure and
expressive, were talking about Singer Songwriter Hannah Curwood from Central
Otago and the opening track, Burning
Through the Night from her latest project Hannah and The Wars. The repeated
refrains of the chorus grow on you as you can hear and feel her breathing and strength
intensify with each heartfelt recurrence, and thus from this introduction you
know you’re in for a treat.
Hannah has a very sincere and passionate vocal that is so pure, clean and natural, and in each tuneful song she expresses her words with such tender clarity that it demands your attention, the instrumental parts are full of character too, that conjure up images of space and earth. The music is a wonderful mix of modern rhythmic folk with electric guitar, piano and occasion string arrangements. The songs themes are thoughtful and deep, and match Hannah’s smooth tones brilliantly. The melodies and harmonies through the album are a delight to the ears, best showcased in the charming Like a Stone and the broad Dark Summer Dawn.
Hannah In The Wars is an album that takes you on a wonderful journey, with music that stimulates you with deep feelings and soaring atmospheres, the beautiful tender melodies are an experience that your ears deserve, so if you haven’t already guessed, I thoroughly recommend it.
About Hannah in the Wars
Previously Hannah has released 2 records, Sky Above, Horse Below (2007) and The Blind Love EP (2009). Both received to resounding critical acclaim, tracks such as murder ballad It's Been Snowing All Winter brought attention to Hannah's use of dark lyrics, twisted imagery and ethereal melody to earn her a place as one of New Zealand's celebrated alternative writers.
Now based in London, Hannah has embarked on a new project, working side by side with Roger O'Donnell of The Cure and a handpicked group of musicians to breathe life into her latest body of work. O'Donnell has supported the band by offering up his country home as a recording base, as well as providing guidance with vocal performance, arrangements and his expertise in synth programming.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Hannah in the Wars
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