TIP OF THE ICEBERG - ALBUM REVIEW - OCTOBER 2010

Release due soon on Ingrooves/Universal.

As anyone who knows me ,will swear , I am always looking for new

talent in every little niche possible.

It’s sometimes a disappointing past time , with the image often looking

the part and the content falling short of expectations.

There’s nothing more exciting than hearing a demo for the first time or

Foraging through the record stores “local artists “ section, to find a gem.

But believe me, the stores offering this niche are few and the gems even

rarer to find.

The famine of Female artists ,  led to a feast not so many years ago , the

Music industry having rode the likes of Madonna into a musical abyss

and I find myself wearing a grimace, when I hear the Female artist , I’m

about to listen to , is also a singer/songwriter.

I’m normally a little tentative about the quality at this point , having

suffered a lot of singers, that can definitely sing but cant hang a song on a

coat hook.

This is often followed by a lot of track hopping in the search for relatable

songs  or likable melodies.

So with coffee at hand , I decided to punish myself , yet again and more

than likely sit down later that evening to listen to a familiar artist that may

sooth my battered ears.

Half way through the day …Anna Lang , a dark haired Woman in her

forties , looking remarkably  less so and with an engaging, non manufactured

smile.

last one before lunch I decided.

The title of the offering was “ Tip of the Iceberg “ from a small independent 

record company, Rocka records ( part of the Rockstarmedia music group )

I’m informed by the accompanying email , that Anna’s influences are country

based , a statement that normally sends me into a corner or behind the sofa.

Brits , don’t usually do country that well and I fear the worst, knowing this

lady is a Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn fan.

The British have never openly understood Country or Country pop cross over ,

It’s been a guilty secret of mine but one that I’m more likely to express after a

few drinks these days.

I was instantly expecting an over produced , lack lustre affair but found the

warm , pure voice of this Irish born singer reassuring.

There is a strong Country flavour here but more so a leaning in the direction of

a pop cross over.

“ Eastern train “ and “ No better than I was before “ are perfectly

crafted pop songs with a twist of gingham but the vocals are delightful and the

lyrics tell Two little stories.

Most of the tracks include sweet, soft , unobtrusive harmonies , acoustic guitars

and catchy hooks , a sort of throwback (not in a bad way ) to a time where music

was the most important factor.

“ Where do we go from here “ is without question the more country of the

twelve tracks available.

It’s a grown up Album , lots of weight and depth in terms of subject matter but then

you come across “ You knock me off my feet “ a lullaby love song with superb

acoustic guitar and backing vocal.

The title track is almost a statement of how she came to be here in the first place,

“ Tip of the iceberg “ has a banging drum beat intro which dips into a river of soft

backing with a stunning Piano accompaniment but it’s the voice that captivates , not

brash or boastful but sweet , sincere and very listenable.

The tracks are bountiful in real instruments , the lyrics meaningful and honest,

based perhaps on the life experiences of a forty something year old Woman, who’s

bottle had been firmly corked only to find an expression of thought via music.

Sadly the bad news is , it’s not available in a physical content and is to be obtained at

a later date ,  through the more fashionable digital download

I don’t know if the music world has space for an Anna Lang but I certainly have room

in my CD collection, for a first time outing as good as this.

The rest of the afternoon was less entertaining, having left Anna behind , I opened yet

more emails , listened to another six albums but it proved less enjoyable and fruitful

affair.

www.annalangmusic.com

www.rockarecords.co.uk

Jay Motram.

Independent Music Journalist