Georgia Fair – All Through Winter (20/10/2011)
Sneaking up on the folk world, 'All Through Winter' is the debut album from duo Georgia Fair, comprised of singer/songwriters Jordan Wilson and Ben Riley.
The album is stunningly poignant and beautifully crafted. While a lot of recent folk releases have tried to emulate the success of Mumford & Son’s and Fleet Foxes, Georgia Fair mix the dual harmonies and sophisticated lyrics with such ease under the guise of producer Bill Reynolds (bassist of Band of Horses).
Times Fly sets the atmosphere through its dreamy instrumentals and harmonies, while Blind is an early highlight that truly envelops. Structured to perfection, the acoustics and haunting lyrics are lingering on the listener; this is one song that will truly stay with you long after the final bar has blissfully echoed out.
The duo introduce some electrics into the mix with Simple Man; rollicking and much more of a rockier tune that the earlier stages of the album, it works well in changing the pace without losing the folk style holds the album together. The striking track Time (the source of the albums title, All Through Winter) reflects on the seasons, with its backing piano slowly easing us through Summer to Winter.
The cheerful and energetic Remember Me returns the pace to a much more sprightly mode with a kick drum and tambourine featuring in the mix, while Morning Light continues the trend of upbeat folk, its lyrics telling a story of retracing memories such as those of names scratched in trees. Final track on the album As The Sun Fades is a gentler affair, closing the album with grace and poignancy through a fading harmonica.
While a relaxing listen that never disappoints, the strength of the album lies in the clever songwriting. Evocative, honest and engaging, All Through Winter is a genuine treasure of 2011.
Luke Sutton
The album is stunningly poignant and beautifully crafted. While a lot of recent folk releases have tried to emulate the success of Mumford & Son’s and Fleet Foxes, Georgia Fair mix the dual harmonies and sophisticated lyrics with such ease under the guise of producer Bill Reynolds (bassist of Band of Horses).
Times Fly sets the atmosphere through its dreamy instrumentals and harmonies, while Blind is an early highlight that truly envelops. Structured to perfection, the acoustics and haunting lyrics are lingering on the listener; this is one song that will truly stay with you long after the final bar has blissfully echoed out.
The duo introduce some electrics into the mix with Simple Man; rollicking and much more of a rockier tune that the earlier stages of the album, it works well in changing the pace without losing the folk style holds the album together. The striking track Time (the source of the albums title, All Through Winter) reflects on the seasons, with its backing piano slowly easing us through Summer to Winter.
The cheerful and energetic Remember Me returns the pace to a much more sprightly mode with a kick drum and tambourine featuring in the mix, while Morning Light continues the trend of upbeat folk, its lyrics telling a story of retracing memories such as those of names scratched in trees. Final track on the album As The Sun Fades is a gentler affair, closing the album with grace and poignancy through a fading harmonica.
While a relaxing listen that never disappoints, the strength of the album lies in the clever songwriting. Evocative, honest and engaging, All Through Winter is a genuine treasure of 2011.
Luke Sutton