Snowpoet – “Heartstrings”

There is an immense amount of beauty on “Heartstrings”, the new album by UK duo Snowpoet, Lauren Kinsella and Chris Hyson. The whole album was recorded and written in the studio, with the band improvising in real time. The result is a stunning collection of ten songs, starting off with the ethereal and easily flowing “Tenderness” which is one of those songs you want to go back to over and over again. Listen to the carefully placed backing vocals! Sublime. In addition to Lauren and Chris, who plays piano and synths, there is Matt Robinson on piano and synths, Josh Arcoleo on electric bass and saxophone, and Dave Hamblett on drums. Together with the lyrics and music of Lauren and Chris, they manage to create a soundscape which is absolutely divine.

“Our World” is full of beautifully executed lush layers. Love the airy piano chords on this one. It turns into a trancelike piece full of rich and soothing parts. “New Tree 109A” features some very poignant backing vocals, adding even more unfiltered textures. I really like the fact that both synth and acoustic instruments are used here for some really appealing dynamics. The in-your-face drum work of the gorgeous “One Of Those People” reminds me of some of the best tunes off Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” LP; one of my alltime favorite albums. I already made this comparison when reviewing their 2018 LP “Thought You Knew”. Lauren sounds like an angel here; her poetry and storytelling perfectly intermingles with the rich vocal layers in the back. This group effort is like beauty in perfection. The spoken-word “Living To Live” offers some deep vulnerabilty and comes across a bit darker than the rest of the album, but retains its emotional depth. The intricate drum work accompanies the woes and anguish of “Host”.

After a plaintive piano introduction, “forest_bathing” turns into a heartfelt, wistful solo piece on the brink of a classical paean. The warmth and contemplation continues on the fervent “FOR YOU”, which is sprinkled with some sax work, adding another texture to this album which is one of the rare albums which satisfy from start to finish. You don’t want to skip a track. And the beauty continues with the expansive final track “Skin”. Its sparse tenderness, inimitable directness in combination with utterly immersive storytelling is what makes this album come alive. The LP is out now on Edition Records. Snowpoet play a few record release dates in the UK:

5/24 Southampton – Turner Sims
5/25 Leeds – Howard Assembly Rooms
6/05 Bristol – St George’s
6/15 Birmingham – Hexagon Theatre
6/28 Cardiff – Yardbird
7/05 London – Hoxton Hall