(Reprise/Warner)
Even when you listen to a lot of good new music, it is a rare event to discover an album where you feel that you encountered something special and extraordinary. Holly Palmer's self-titled debut is such a case; more than just a "record", it sounds like the outbreak of a talent that was just too strong to be held in chains.
While there is a good number of female singers/songwriters around, they are still rare enough for newcomers to be overly compared to more established names. Hearing a piano based song like "Sal The Gardener", some people will certainly draw the line from Holly Palmer to Tori Amos. But Holly Palmer covers a much wider musical spectrum than Tori Amos did on her first two albums; most tracks feature a full band, and the rhythmic nature of some songs reminds more of Sarah McLachlan. Her past in jazz bands shows on the track "Come Lie With Me", a beautiful song with a bar room jazz sound and a sweet chorus. Going even further, "Oxblood 2x4s" features a classical instrumentation with piano and strings.
Holly Palmer's lyrics are personal and full of sensitivity, presented with a wonderful, very sensual voice. With these qualities, even a basically simple love song like "Wide Open Spaces" comes across as something expressive and truly wonderful. While the vocals are always in the center, the tasteful arrangements show Palmer's musical education.
With all these qualities, the most surprising thing is that the hard work that is certainly behind it does not cause any negative effects in the final result. Everything sounds natural, often playful, and like it was done with ease. Holly Palmer will be a strong contender for "best album of the year", it is a must for fans of female singers/songwriters, and highly recommended to everybody else with good taste.
