Gilmore gets into the state of the nation on her latest album. Small World Turning leans into the acoustic folk and roots vibe that she has summoned throughout her career. Her songwriting is as on the nose, confrontational and gorgeous as ever, in fact it is perfect for the times we live in.
And what times, daily disturbance and shock with a government lurching from crisis to crisis. We live in a ‘United’ Kingdom that has never been less united. Then globally we see racism, division, prejudice and hate blatantly influencing thoughts and attitudes. Don’t start me on the climate.
I read somewhere that it is the job of artists, songwriters and poets to help us make sense of it. We seem to have turned our backs on expert opinion, analysis and reason, and instead hang our hopes on blind faith, bogus promises and grandstanding clowns.
I sound a bit frazzled don’t I? Well I’m decidedly less so after listening to Thea’s new album. Most importantly because it is an uplifting album of stirring melodies, wonderful songs and joyous arrangements. Gilmore helps make sense of it in some small way, well if not sense she at least makes me glad I’m not the only one thinking like this.
She has gathered a really impressive set of contributors, the likes of Cara Dillon, Seth and Sam Lakeman, Gilmore and Roberts and Ciaran Algar make it sound sublime. Lyrically and musically she is firing on all cylinders, a gifted songwriter driven by conscience and a huge dose of compassion.
Iain Hazlewood
