Project Description

Helen Townsend

‘Little Lover’

(Album Review)

Reviewer – Karen Lowe

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Photo by Lu Townsend

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Once upon a time, I was closed off to different styles of music. If it wasn’t pure rock n roll, punk or metal, I would immediately turn my nose up at it and wouldn’t even give it the time of day. It was only when I really got into the Perth scene and started talking with artists of all different genres that I finally admitted to myself that I had dismissed so much music for no real reason other than it didn’t ‘fit’ the ideals that I had forced on myself.

By freeing myself of those invisible shackles, I was finally able to start appreciating music that I previously would never have even considered listening to. It opened up a whole new world – a world that lead me to so many talented artists and bands – all right here in my own backyard.

Helen Townsend is one of those artists that I have discovered in this bright new world. I first saw her play with Belle Harvey in 2017 so when I heard that she was releasing a new album, Little Lover, I couldn’t wait to listen to it. I will admit that I was a little bit worried as her music is far outside the usual genres that I turn to.

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Of course, a part of me knew that fear was unwarranted – especially when I saw some of the names that Townsend had collaborated with for Little Lover. If you are heavily into your Perth scene like me, then you will recognise people like Belle Harvey, Rachael Aquilina and Eliot Smith for starters.

Being old school, I prefer having a CD. It’s tangible, you can hold it and you can look at the cover (and notes) while listening to the music so I was excited when I got my hands on Little Lover. I put the CD in, settled back with a hot cuppa, put the phone away and pressed play.

Make Believe is dark and stormy with flashes of lightness throughout. It’s the kind of song that you want to listen to with the lights off and just let the dulcet tones wash over you. On first listen, it appears to be quite simple but in reality, there are so many different layers to it. It has a beautifully haunting quality to it and will remain with you long after the music fades.

The title track Little Lover is another beautiful example of the talent that Townsend possesses. Its simplicity allows Townsend’s voice to shine through and tugs at the heart strings as she asks her lover if they will take their love away. Our hearts are certainly in Townsend’s hands with this song. Townsend has an ability to paint pictures for us. In Minor Key, if you close your eyes, you can see the little girl sitting down by the tree and sketching away. It takes you back to a time that seems so far away and yet timeless.

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From the darkness, Townsend takes us out into the light with Upward Now. It’s upbeat, positive and warming. You can almost feel the sun shining down with this song. Again – it’s the power of the lyrics that sets your imagination on fire and is demonstrated time after time with each song. Throughout the album, Townsend keeps you on the edge. Little Lover is an emotional roller coaster. It takes you through life’s ups and downs – the good and the bad. For me, the stand out songs are Make Believe, Minor Key, Tear Them Houses Down, Drinking All Over Again and Do Right.

Little Lover is a prime example of music that I would have missed out on if I had remained closed off to different genres. Back in the day, I wouldn’t have listened to something like this – just because it wasn’t heavy. Now though, by just allowing myself to be open to all kinds of music, Helen Townsend took me on a beautiful journey through dark and light; night and day. It’s the kind of music that tells a story; that puts your imagination into overdrive. It’s the kind of music that sticks around in your mind, long after the CD ends. It’s a welcome feeling and one that I can’t believe that I ever shut my mind to.

 

Connect with Helen Townsend

Facebook  Website

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