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Nicole Andrews
In the Shallows (February 27, 2015)

Nicole Andrews — In the Shallows (February 27, 2015)

 Nicole Andrews — In the Shallows (February 27, 2015)
≡°≡  Není to jen další zpěvačka. Odlišuje se. Můžou se ale najít rychlíci, kteří bez skrupulí řeknou, že se jedná o pokus napodobit Tori Amos se vším všudy. Nicole je však zcela jiná i typově. Tyto písně jsou opravdu osvěžující, nabízí unikátní rovnováhu jemného zármutku, vřelé radosti a naděje. Je to jakýsi mix Tori Amos, PJ Harvey, Amandy Palmer, Ani DeFranco, Reginy Spector a Jewel. V určité konstelaci potřebná a sofistikovaná hudba. Bez jakéhokoli intra první, co uslyšíte, je hlas Nicole Andrews v kombinaci s pianem. Disponuje širokým výrazovým pásmem, nabízí alternativy tam, kde jsme zvyklí na zavedené postupy. Je však možné, že množství posluchačů se rychle navrátí ke svým předchozím referencím. Piano driven alternative, haunting female vocals and dark themes. An intriguing collection of introspective songs with echoes of Tori Amos, PJ Harvey and Massive Attack. “I really love Wellington Central library. I could walk around the library for hours just looking at books. I have a bad habit of getting more books than I can actually read, but I just love finding new things. It’s a very comforting place for me. I’m reading the Amanda Palmer book, The Art of Asking. She's another alternative pianist and singer, somewhat similar to what I do, so its interesting to read about her life.”Location: Portland, Oregon ~~ Wellington, New Zealand
Album release: February 27, 2015
Record Label: Nicole Andrews Music
Genre: Indie Folk, Dreampop, Adult Alternative, Singer–Songwriter
Duration:     51:34
Tracks:
01. Just Another Female Vocalist      3:28
02. Practicing Freedom      5:24
03. Pixelated Roses      4:46
04. Whisper      5:01
05. This Heart      3:37
06. Happiness      3:56
07. Goodnight Sweetheart      4:54
08. It's You      3:32
09. Good Girl      6:47
10. Cold Hearted Beast      4:21
11. Time      5:48
≡°≡  All songs written and produced by Nicole Andrews
≡°≡  With the support of Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa
© 2015 Nicole Andrews Music
≡°≡  Recorded and mixed at Surgery Studios, Wellington New Zealand
≡°≡  Steinway Piano Recordings at The New Zealand School of Music
≡°≡  Recording and Mixing Engineer: Lee Prebble
≡°≡  Piano Engineer: Thomas Voyce
≡°≡  Mastered at Munki Studios by Mike Gibson
≡°≡  Piano, Vocals, Harpsichord and Organ: Nicole Andrews
≡°≡  Guitar (Tracks 1, 2, 4, 10): Daniel Ryland
≡°≡  Ebow Guitar (Track 9): David Long
≡°≡  Bass: Andrew Bain
≡°≡  Drums: Lance Philip
≡°≡  Cello: Margaret Guldborg
≡°≡  Viola: Christiaan van der Zee
≡°≡  Violin: Konstanze Artmann
≡°≡  String Arrangements (Track 3): Reuben Bradley
≡°≡  String Arrangements (Tracks 6, 10, 11): Nicole Andrews
≡°≡  This Heart Programming: Nicole Andrews
≡°≡  Goodnight Sweetheart Programming and Production: Thomas Voyce
≡°≡  Photography: Brett Stanley
≡°≡  Graphic Design: Ceire Hopley
≡°≡  Logo Design: Jaya Gibson
REVIEW BY RIA LOVEDER // 15 MAY 2015
≡°≡  Nicole Andrews' debut album In The Shallows, has shown the New Zealand music scene that she is one talented women. Nicole is a self–taught pianist and has created a collection of songs that are reflective, thoughtful and raw.
≡°≡  Before I talk about the album I think I need to allow a paragraph to discuss the album cover photo. An image of Andrews herself, standing in what seems to be a steamed up room. The image is beautiful and I knew who the photographer was straight away, the very talented Brett Stanley. I love his work and have been captivated by his underwater shoots for a long time, with it actually being a goal of mine to be able to score an underwater shoot with him some time in the future. I applaud Andrews in getting Stanley to take the art for the cover, it is such a striking image, full of emotion and vulnerability.
≡°≡  One of my favourite songs on the track was Practicing Freedom. A beautifully simple song. The melody is gorgeous and the lyrics expose a vulnerable character. It’s songs like this that make me wonder if the story the artist is talking about has actually come form their own experience. If so, this is a very brave thing to do. Showing all your scars and expressing your pain for other people to listen to. If the story of this song is true, I hope writing and singing about it is Andrews’ catharsis. If this is a fictional story on the artist’s behalf then I wish more singers had such vivid imaginations.
≡°≡  Pixelated Roses, again is another emotional piece, with a beautiful violin solo. This songs tune got very much stuck in my head, and since I got the CD I have been humming it frequently. This song also showcases Andrews’ voice. She uses her power only when it is needed so that it jumps out at you. She has a very interesting and intriguing way of drawing out words, which creates emotional impact.
≡°≡  Time, definitely pulled on my heart strings. This was my favourite song on the album. Stunningly written and a song that I believe perfectly suits Andrews’ voice. It is one of those songs that makes me wish my piano skills were far better than just having Mary had a little lamb in my repertoire. It makes me want to sit at the piano and learn. I don’t think any words I say will be able to convey how much this song got to me. You all just have to listen to it… Now please!
≡°≡  To be honest, I could have written about every song for this review. I am so lucky and glad I got to listen to this album. Nicole has created a beautifully composed album with beautiful songs and haunting vocals. This is a stunning debut album. She has set the bar high for her future projects, but you know what, I know she is going to keep creating superb works of art. ≡°≡  http://www.muzic.net.nz/BIO
≡°≡  Nicole is a self–taught pianist from Portland Oregon, now based in Wellington New Zealand. Her eclectic debut album, In the Shallows, is a collection of introspective songs with echoes of Tori Amos, PJ Harvey and Massive Attack.
≡°≡  Nicole’s piano driven compositions and haunting vocals are showcased alongside beautiful and intriguing arrangements of strings, organ, drums, synth, distortion and more. The result is a raw and truthful album that challenges you to explore your own inner darkness.
≡°≡  This self–produced album was made with the support of Creative New Zealand, features the work of well–known New Zealand musicians and was featured as the Album Preview of the Week on RadioActive.FM.
Bandcamp: http://nicoleandrews.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-shallows
Reverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/andrewsnicole
Website: http://www.nicoleandrewsmusic.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/nicoleandrewsmusic
Spotify: https://player.spotify.com/album/3xyiSnP0StA53pFEG3m1t4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicoleandrewsmusic
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Andrews_Nicole
CD Baby: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nicoleandrews
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgJlHwzXpO8
Interview, SARAH CATHERALL: http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/capital-life/67890765/My-Secret-Wellington-Nicole-Andrews
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Nicole Andrews
In the Shallows (February 27, 2015)

 

ALBUM COVERS XI.