Fiona Bevan - Talk to Strangers

****

Pleased I am no longer a stranger to this album. 

Fiona Bevan's debut album really is a gem, it mixes Singer / Songwriter and Folk genres with a degree of Pop all mixed with a certain uniqueness. The Pop side is something she has already honed pretty well anyway having been co-writer of 'Little Things' by One Direction with Ed Sheeran. While that is quite an achievement to have been a chart topping song writer, I am pleased to say that twelve year olds girls does not seem to the target audience of this album.

The slightly quirky nature is revealed with opening track 'Rebel without a Cause' which highlights the Folk edge while floating along with a catchy tune to go with it, drawing you into the album. Overall it very much has a storytelling theme about it, in one sense, while they work together it is a collection on songs rather than a cohesive album but I don't feel that detracts from it at all. The vocals are what bind it all together having a bit of Kate Bush mixed with Nerina Pallot sound about them.

For a debut album it is very strong, having found that out the first listen it made it all the more impressive as it has a very established sound. A lot of it has been honed while becoming established on the live scene. Other songs that particularly stood out for me were 'Gold' and the title track 'Talk to Strangers' but I don't feel it had any weak points and have already revisited it a couple of time already and intend to many more. if you want something a bit different this is for you. 

Review by Jon Cooper

Check Out! the Video for 'The Machine' Below...