Gin Wigmore - Gravel & Wine (28/05/2012)
Gravel & Wine is, in short, a tortured tale of bad men, bad blood and bad Gin Wigmore. The tattooed temptress rips us a new one with her sophomore release, wooing listeners with her raspy vocals and visceral sex appeal.
Already topping the charts in her native New Zealand, the record explodes with the opening track and lead single, ‘Black Sheep’. Evoking images of seedy Deep South jazz clubs, Wigmore instantly entices the listener with her suggestive lyrics and her out of this world singing style. Warning off all who approach her with the opening line “I got lots of jealous lovers that all wish they had me back”, Wigmore is dripping with attitude, which is a perfect companion to the intoxicating percussive arrangement.
‘Man Like That’ offers up an energetic mess of hand clappingly infectious beats that instantly get your head bopping. A tale of bitter love, Wigmore’s vocals continue to reign supreme through the chaos that his track brings. The turbulent nature of this song leaves you with a manic high that can only be cured by a sultry ballad or two.
Luckily, Wigmore’s got you covered there. ‘If Only’ again works to inspire immaculate imagery. Moving from her seedy jazz club, she becomes a 1950’s balladeer, perhaps even spraying herself out atop the grand piano that backs the song. The most emotional use of her vocals, Wigmore croons her way through the track, bleeding gut-wrenching sentiment out of every note.
Similarly, ‘Saturday Smile’ shows a moment of raw beauty that is often hidden within the record. There is no denying that the song is simple in lyric and music, but that’s what makes it truly striking. The vulnerability of her vocals is what gives the song strength.
Transforming entirely, the record then goes on to offer a knee slapping, foot stomping, Americana-fied track titled ‘Sweet Hell’. A rockabilly infused duet with producer Butch Walker, the song exudes joy and play with every shake of that brilliant tambourine.
The highlight of the record, however, is the seductively devilish ‘Kill of the Night’. Intoxicating you with her ‘come hither’ lyrics, Wigmore begins softly luring you into her web until you are defenceless. Ripping into your soul with the punchy chorus you can’t help but fall under her spell. Now you’re hooked, there is no escaping the fact that you’re converted to a love for everything that is Gin Wigmore.
Whilst her husky tone may divide audiences, it is undeniable that Wigmore has talent. A rare breed of songwritting talent, she has proved with Gravel & Wine that she can create a record that is both rigorously strong and heartbreakingly defenceless. Like a strong shot, there’s definitely no forgetting Gin.
Lauren Morton
Already topping the charts in her native New Zealand, the record explodes with the opening track and lead single, ‘Black Sheep’. Evoking images of seedy Deep South jazz clubs, Wigmore instantly entices the listener with her suggestive lyrics and her out of this world singing style. Warning off all who approach her with the opening line “I got lots of jealous lovers that all wish they had me back”, Wigmore is dripping with attitude, which is a perfect companion to the intoxicating percussive arrangement.
‘Man Like That’ offers up an energetic mess of hand clappingly infectious beats that instantly get your head bopping. A tale of bitter love, Wigmore’s vocals continue to reign supreme through the chaos that his track brings. The turbulent nature of this song leaves you with a manic high that can only be cured by a sultry ballad or two.
Luckily, Wigmore’s got you covered there. ‘If Only’ again works to inspire immaculate imagery. Moving from her seedy jazz club, she becomes a 1950’s balladeer, perhaps even spraying herself out atop the grand piano that backs the song. The most emotional use of her vocals, Wigmore croons her way through the track, bleeding gut-wrenching sentiment out of every note.
Similarly, ‘Saturday Smile’ shows a moment of raw beauty that is often hidden within the record. There is no denying that the song is simple in lyric and music, but that’s what makes it truly striking. The vulnerability of her vocals is what gives the song strength.
Transforming entirely, the record then goes on to offer a knee slapping, foot stomping, Americana-fied track titled ‘Sweet Hell’. A rockabilly infused duet with producer Butch Walker, the song exudes joy and play with every shake of that brilliant tambourine.
The highlight of the record, however, is the seductively devilish ‘Kill of the Night’. Intoxicating you with her ‘come hither’ lyrics, Wigmore begins softly luring you into her web until you are defenceless. Ripping into your soul with the punchy chorus you can’t help but fall under her spell. Now you’re hooked, there is no escaping the fact that you’re converted to a love for everything that is Gin Wigmore.
Whilst her husky tone may divide audiences, it is undeniable that Wigmore has talent. A rare breed of songwritting talent, she has proved with Gravel & Wine that she can create a record that is both rigorously strong and heartbreakingly defenceless. Like a strong shot, there’s definitely no forgetting Gin.
Lauren Morton