Rosalie Cunningham.

Esoteric/ Cherry Red.

8/10.

By Decibel Report

Former front lady of Purson, a fiery band full of promise which fizzled out in 2016, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Rosalie Cunningham has been working on solo material ever since for this her debut album.

These eight eclectic tracks burst with a supple blend of musical styles and layered substance.

With her psychedelic roots still firmly in place, as firstly evidenced by the arresting album cover art, Cunningham has clearly put all of her art and soul into the music on this her first solo recording.

Her own retro theatrical styling follows on into her music such as the provocative ‘Fuck Love’, ‘Dethroning Of The Party Queen’ and the epic ‘A Yarn From A Wheel’. Clearly, her own musical tastes appear to be firmly rooted in ‘60s and ‘70s rock. Yet the heavily fuzzed up guitars reveals a psychedelic sunburst haze shining through an album that tactilely wears its classic rock influences proudly on its deep velvet sleeve.

Mostly working with analogue equipment gives these down the rabbit hole songs a nostalgic warmth. As Rosalie says: “The approach I started with was very modern, at a high-end digital studio. I soon realised it wasn’t for me and went right back to basics. I took it home, stripped it right down, experimenting with tape machine tricks, running mics down corridors and using radio broadcasting mics to get the guitar sound. After that I went to Gizzard, an analogue studio I’ve worked in before, for the final mix; all of which was done live. Being able to take time over arrangements without pressure meant that everything felt right, without being contrived.”

An alluring natural performer, this debut solo recording should attract heavy rotation for those who love Renaissance, Jethro Tull, Uriah Heep and Mandy Morton/Spriguns.