Scots songstress Louise Connell has announced the release of her new double album ‘Squall Echo Rale.’
The album is set to feature some of her most powerful songs, including ‘Viscous Fear,’ and ‘Get to Know Me.’ This bumper 19 track contribution is believed to resonate with fans old and new, as well as cementing Connell’s status as a gifted, emotive songwriter and a truly unique performer.
Previously recording and performing as ‘Reverieme,’ the songstress received critical applause for her first album Straw Woman (2016) and was also given airtime of the likes of BBC Radio 1 and Virgin Radio. In 2011, Reverieme performed at T in the Park, Wickerman and Edinburgh's The Edge Festival. However, for her latest work Connell has decided to completely strip back the disguise and advance the music forward under her own name.
By choosing to strip back, Louise Connell has allowed her originality to shine through, particularly in the lyrics of tracks throughout the entirety of Squall Echo Rale.
Unlike her debut album, Squall Echo Rale features simplistic but extremely effective musical melodies accompanied by punchy although sometimes slightly repetitive lyrics. The Scots songstress has been extremely successful in changing her approach to producing music and by doing so has allowed her to produce an album worthy or allowing her to become a modern-day folk icon.
Connell said: “I love writing songs. I see it as catching the ideas and words that are hurling around us all and turning them into pieces of music that help life make more sense.”
Squall Echo Rale is modern country classic featuring emotive lyrics showcasing the Airdrie songstress’s status as an extremely gifted songwriter. Tracks like Shrapnel and Fruit truly grasp the concept of the album which I believe to be a true reflection of song writing and use of simplistic and elegant instruments to create the overall folk sound of the entire album.
The use of ukulele’s, simple guitar chord progressions all centred around a steady, yet quiet base rhythm all contribute to the general country/folk sound of Squall Echo Rale, with all melodies accompanied by Louise Connell’s quirky, impressive lyrics. The lack of drumbeats again adds to the overall feel of the album.
Although, the album in general is relatively chill, drums do make an appearance for a few tracks including Crossed the Line and Outside, donating some dynamic to the album.
What I find most unusual about this album as a whole is the voice of Louise Connell - her lyrics are clever and compliment the melodies and rhythms. However, I find the moments her Scottish accent mixes into the overall tune extremely effective and unique. Such moments can be found in songs like Did I Save the Day? In particular.
In addition to recording an album which expressed her originality, Louise had the honour of having a thought-provoking album sleeve created by legendary artist and designer, James Marsh. This unique album cover only adds to the originality of Squall Echo Rale collectively.
Squall Echo Rale is out now and is available on most music providers.
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