Blue Roses is something truly, truly gorgeous. Like a limbo between Joanna Newsom and a waterfall, Laura Groves (a former solo artist) has morphed her old material into a living, breathing being.
I managed to see Laura Groves at the Night & Day way back when, and despite the fact that on record she melted into the sea of female singer/songwriters, she stood her ground with a vocal range to strike fear into the hearts of rivals and brilliant musicianship on both the guitar and piano.
I loved her music even then (to the point that I'm suprised I didn't blog her earlier), but when I heard her new stuff played at an Emmy The Great gig in November I was flipping head over heels. Accompanied by her friend Diane (I think!) on strings and drums, Laura projected her voice a hundred times more effectively and it was more than obvious she had enthralled a fair few members of the audience.
Blue Roses is now in full swing. Two new tracks were revealed today and they do not disappoint by any measurement. I'm completely at odds as to which one is my favourite!
Does Anyone Love Me Now? flows with a sublime ease and all the elements compliment each other flawlessly. It's also a wonderful treat to the ears to hear Laura's arching and swooping vocals at the heart of the song. Does Anyone Love Me Now? is a track with a secret passion that can only be heard through the sincerity of lyrics such as "I believe in plans/I believe in maps that you drew sitting next to me".
Doubtful Comforts sinks its fingers into your muscles to relax a tense shoulder or two as Laura's voice once again dominates the foreground of the song, pulling you gently into hanging onto her every word. The use of what I think is thumb pianos also gives the impression of time, and that it is simply melting away into the background of your life. This is certainly a song to forget your cares to, mug in hand, eyelids shut.
Listen to Doubtful Comforts here (but please, please for your own good, go and listen to Does Anyone Love Me Now? on the myspace!!).
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