Clynes, Susan: Life Is…

I first became aware of Belgian singer/pianist Susan Clynes last year as she provided guest vocals on The Wrong Object's After the Exhibition album. "Glass Cubes" is an excellent track much in part due to Clynes' wonderful vocal performance. Her new album Life Is… was taken from three live performances in Brussels; two from the historic bar The Archiduc and one from the Library of The Cultural Center of Bree.

The music is quite reflective in places, especially in the solo pieces where it is just voice and piano. The pretty "Tuesday Rain" is a prime example. The piano bears a tinge of romanticism and Clynes' vocals are a near perfect compliment. In this case the vocals and piano are extensions of the other with insightful song craft and arrangement. The album's opening title track is another solo piece with a delightful piano motif and uplifting lyrics. Clynes' voice is very clear, sometimes hinting of Kate Bush. "A Good Man" is a jazzed up poppier number with playful piano lines and sultry vocals. The piece brims with optimism as do many of these songs.

One of my favourite tracks is the incredibly poignant "Les Larmes", an instrumental with Clynes' piano and Simon Lenski's cello performing in a wonderful ballet of musical bliss. The piano and cello both convey as much emotion as words ever could. The cello builds to a grand climax, taking the song into one of the discs more 'progressive' moments.

Life Is… is an impressive album from an artist sure to be on the rise in the upcoming years ahead. I look forward to more of her work. Released on Moonjune Records.

Track Listing:
1. Life Is… (4:21)
2. A Good Man (3:49)
3. Childhood Dreams (6:31)
4. Les Larmes (9:35)
5. Tuesday Rain (5:08)
6. Ileana's Song (3:37)
7. When You're Dead (7:15)
8. Pigeon's Intrusion (6:00)
9. Le Voyage (3:22)
10. Linear Blindness (4:12)
11. Butterflies (6:38)

Added: April 27th 2014
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1908
Language: english

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