The Beat Surrender

How often do you find yourself placing something on your CD player and hand on heart expecting it to be a bit naff, only to be blown away by an amazing voice set amongst some beautiful folk blues?

I would guess pretty much as often if not less than me, which as things stand is very very rarely. You see the number of female singer-songwriter Cds I get sent through is vast and while the odd one is decent, very few if any are people that you expect to go on and make a successful career of it.

Listening to the Violets EP by Beth Rowley though i’m convinced i’m listening to a star of the future, not only is she a stunning 26 year old with striking looks (which always helps) but her voice is absolutely amazing, think a more rustic Amy Winehouse. it’s a sort of combination of classic Diva vocals mixed with a warmth and gentle influence.

Her voice suits so many styles as well, be it the reworking of the traditional folk song Nobody’s Fault But Mine, the soulful take on I Shall Be Released or her two own compositions Sweet Hours and Only One Cloud which are far more blues folk influenced, it’s just beautiful.

So why four stars and not five? Well because two aren’t really her songs and that might make me a bit harsh..but hey I can live with myself.