Rachell
Goswell |
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Rachel Goswell’s debut solo album may not be what you expect from the former Slowdive and Mojave 3 conspirator, possibly because it’s such a vibrant collection of folk-style pop. Slowdive still has its place in the grand scheme of things, and there’s no denying Mojave 3 had plenty of decent moments too, but that still doesn’t lead you to expect solo material of such clarity and quality.
Yet the path is defined immediately by opener ‘Warm Summer Sun’, which reels you in casually with its bells chiming in the distance, and you feel like you’re lost out in the countryside, breathing in warm, clean air. Then without warning, a dark storm sweeps through, sparking even more life into the music. It just seems to be one of those great moments in songwriting when every sound can evoke an image in your mind and feed your imagination.
Not every track intends to be so dramatic, though. ‘Beautiful Feeling’ is so laid-back and gentle that it uses prettiness as its arrow head. Despite being vocally wispy, a string quartet is wheeled out midway to fill it out and drive the sentiments. The fuller musical backing of ‘Hope’ is reminiscent of Beth Orton in both style and mood, but Goswell’s voice feels much more fitting here. Then a track like ‘Save Yourself’ is exactly the kind of song I wish Tanya Donelly could/would write these days. The dirty chords and piano that lead into the chorus are the perfect vessel for emotion and feeling, preventing the song washing away without your brain actually acknowledging it.
Waves Are Universal is a bold album thanks to its openness and simplicity. The songs captivate the mind and it fulfills a good balance between darkness and light throughout. Overall, it’s a great wealth of songs to delve into on a warm summer’s afternoon.
Steven McCarron
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