Becca Caffyn - EP Review: The Replacement Blonde
Dunedin-based singer-songwriter Becca Caffyn brings us her debut EP release The Replacement Blonde, a four song journey through pivotal experiences that have left their mark on her 19 years in this life. Produced by Christchurch-based Will McGillivray (Goodwill) and mastered by Joe Faris, Becca has traversed Parachute Music's great Artist Development initiative. It shows. The four songs deliver melody that sticks and thoughtful, melancholy lyrics that befit the genre and the message of each track.
First up is the single Replacement Blonde. An acoustic led and beautifully performed, in the vocal sense, ode to a previous love. Great song, lovely mix and a good start.
We follow this with the second single, the more up-beat Stair Kids. A brilliantly weighted orchestration, mix and balance that keeps the single warm and within the feel of the overall EP mood. Personally, I would have liked to have heard another vocal layer in a mezzo-soprano/alto style (not going as low as contralto, though!), but that's just my own preference. It doesn't detract from a great song, well delivered.
Third track Missing My Bus returns to the acoustic guitar as lead instrument, over a sweet tune. The mix appears to have picked up a squeaking chair or something, which I'm not sure was intended. One would have to listen for it especially, I feel, so maybe don't listen out for it as the song otherwise is a nice, gentle number worthy of a place here.
Finally comes track number four Julia Roberts (Cassette Demo), which has me in a quandary. While it keeps up the glaringly obvious talent Becca has for songwriting and performing, the Demo quality of the track doesn't sit well with me compared with the other three. Don't let me detract from Becca's talents here: she can sing, write, play and is worthy of your attention here. I'm just confused why a Demo version would make it onto an otherwise finished release. A mix and master of this song would do it justice, as it's definitely a great composition.
If you're someone who likes to indulge your introspective side, late at night in your bed as the rain hammers the roof, or as you listen to the endless hum of the late night city, Becca is one for you to give a listen to. Four stars.
One to watch! And, as I like to say... long lost in the wishing well!
About Becca Caffyn
Caffyn spent her early teen years competing around New Zealand’s country music circuit, taking inspiration from Red-era Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves; before being introduced to the music of Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell at the age of 15. Something clicked, and she felt the pull to start developing her sound; leaning on the storytelling and instrumentation of folk music from the 60's and 70's. Caffyn started writing her own songs, keenly chasing down whatever musical avenues she could find.
After leaving high school, Caffyn was handpicked to join an Artist Development programme at Parachute Music. She packed her bags for Auckland and spent a year in the studio honing her songwriting, working towards her debut collection of recordings. Caffyn enlisted the help of producer Will McGillivray (There’s A Tuesday, BEXY), and got to work recording the The Replacement Blonde EP.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Becca Caffyn
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