Americana UK




BRONWYNNE BRENT “STARDUST” by Tim Stokes CLICK HERE TO VIEW

Independent

7
  • A record at its best when it’s dark

Bronwynne Brent’s latest album ‘Stardust’ truly is as an amalgamation of sounds. Brent dabbles in roots music but with hints of Marricone, a touch of spaghetti western, a sprinkling of country waltzes, and all while tackling subject matters that would not go amiss on a Nick Cave album.

In many ways ‘Stardust’ sounds like a Calexico album, but headed by Portishead’s Beth Gibbons. Considering the US Americana legends drummer appears on the record, perhaps this was inevitable.

As with Calexico, Brent is at her best when there is a sting and mystery to her music. Her voice, a fragile sounding instrument which packs an unexpected punch, really suits the spikiness of songs like ‘Don’t Tell Your Secrets To The Wind’ and ‘Bulletproof’.

When the music heads down more conventional routes, ‘Stardust’ has a tendency to meld away like any standard Americana record. Yet when she lets herself into darker places, Bronwynne Brent demonstrates a fascinating song writing talent.

 

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