There are artists who fling their influences and themes together with the finesse of a car crash equally others intertwine them like wires in a cable – all pulling the same way but distinct nonetheless. Then there are those that weave them into a seamless inventive tapestry – Blackheart do just that. Folk is perhaps a description of their sound, acoustic is another, as is country but then there’s rock in the weave as well. Whatever description you use it’s inadequate. For an acceptable description of their personal penetrating songs you must add words such as dramatic, searching, and incisive. I’d say they deliver ‘straight to the heart’ lyrics wrapped around the tightest of tunes.

The first moment you listen to Chrissy Mostyn and Richard Pilkington (they are Blackheart - voice and guitar respectively) you know you’re hearing music written from the soul. Chrissy’s vocals slide from soft breathy delicacy, through joyous harmony with precise control, while Richard’s guitar talent is imaginative and inspired; and their harmonies are just luscious.

Too often there’s a point where songwriters wrap personal songs in obscure individual experience and exclude the listener – not here. Whether you immediately identify with them there’s no difficulty in recognising the emotions bound up in each song. These are personal stories, prayers encounters and experiences revealed by lovingly crafted lyrics in piercingly sharp observations.

Their debut album, Indigo showcased the skill, depth and range that Blackheart entwine into their songs. It also reflects the influences and journeys that create their unique sound. From echoes of memory evoked by ‘Wonderland’ and ‘01024’ (with overtures of 60’s California), to reflections on the vagaries of fate with ‘One of One’ and ‘The Darkest of Days’ and the gentle, sad longing brought about by ‘Indigo’. By contrast, ‘94 Years’ is so powerful it punches you right between the eyes. If you’re human and alive with the slightest shred of emotion this song will bring tears to your eyes. It’s the song everyone wants to write about their father.

Too often bands add layer after layer and mask the ‘power of simplicity’ – no problem here, Blackheart hit it just right. Without doubt their new album ‘Stories’ due for release this summer, will be an equal blend of perceptive personal reflections on people, places, memories and futures. Blackheart are going places, no question, no doubt.

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