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Album Reviews
Spooky ominous murmurings that enthral and disturb from Kim Guy (February 23, 2010)
The debut solo album arrived a
few days ago from Kim Guy – she of the distinctive deep, moody voice that
delivers songs filled with dark expression. Expectations high, I sat down to listen
and absorb ‘Wednesday’s Child’. From the opening track you know you’re
listening to something impressive. Kim’s voice effortlessly draws you into her
world of shadowy enigmatic folk. Mysterious, mythical images sequence with
sinister and spooky ominous murmurings that alternately enthral and disturb.
 'Wednesday's Child' opens with the intense
and potent ‘Rolling of The Stone’ a moody soft chant that conjures
disconcerting feelings. Ominous drum and tinkling bells combine to create the
precise atmosphere this song needs - an important leap beyond Kim’s traditional
folk voice with guitar approach. ‘Watch Me Bleed’ is a mellow cover of the
Tears for Fears song - Kim’s voice and the instrumentation makes it works so
well. You always take a calculated risk covering Neil Young (Kim has
experimented with his work before with Elowen). Either you mimic Young’s style and
hope it works, or revise and still hope it works. Kim has taken a delicate edge
and tender style to ‘Like a Hurricane’ and her voice fits perfectly - be assured
it works.
Then you arrive at ‘He Moved (Through
The Fair)’ – this epic instrumental takes you to a stranger place, it conjures
images and lands of mystery. Turn the amp up to max and dim the lights. Almost
mythic in its quality it’s simply stunning. With probably the most moving, instinctive
treatment of Richard Thompson's ‘Dimming of The Day’ Kim has created something
to cherish. I’ve loved this song for longer than I care to recall but to my
ears Kim has delivered an unsurpassed interpretation. And should you enjoy the
delicious pain of being moved to tears then listen to this.
Kim also gives ‘Exile’ by Steve
Knightley her distinctive treatment. Seemingly echoing her family’s exile from
South Africa, she delivers this song perfectly. ‘Blood and Gold’ continues
the wraith and legend treatment delivered so well on this album. This is right
up there with the most powerful saga-like songs you’re ever likely to hear. The
ghostly drum beat, unearthly chorus and mournful wind effect create all the
unquiet and disturbance you’re ever likely to need.
In her various musical incarnations, alone and with other musicians, Kim has
long-promised to deliver an album of depth, darkness and passion. This is it.
You can buy 'Wednesday's Child, and you should, for £10 (P&P free) at:
http://wyrdwyrksrecords.bigcartel.com/product/wednesdays-child-by-kim-guy.
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