Kathryn Calder - 'Are You My Mother?'

‘Are You My Mother?' is an unpredictable work, shifting between country-rock blasts and solo acoustic reflections with ease. The mood is generally subtle and sparse, yet with striking dynamic flourishes that refuse to allow pigeonholing. The delicate and sometimes playful delivery partly masks an undercurrent of loss and introspection, treading a fine line between hurt and healing.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the springy, electric piano lines of ‘Low', threaded with lush, echoing harmonies that have a spiritual - almost hymnal - quality. This theme carries into the breathtakingly gorgeous ‘Arrow', a lilting waltz delivered with tenderness and delicacy. ‘All It Is' creates a subdued and reflective mood that blossoms unexpectedly into an uplifting sunburst of layered guitars and booming percussion.

This sense of ambivalance is never far from the surface, generating a subtle tension that throws the beauty of the finer moments into sharp focus. Kathryn wrote the album whilst caring for her terminally ill mother, and whilst there are hints at moments of internal conflict, there are few traces of the sorrow or sadness associated with that time. Rather than mourning what has passed, Calder takes time to celebrate life - the rustic celtic-folk feel of ‘If You Only Knew' is a perfect example, radiating the gentle warmth of a campfire song sung with friends.

There are other upbeat moments too. Castor and Pollux is energetic and playful, with a country rock vibe that stylistically calls to mind Calder‘s ex bandmate Neko Case. ‘Follow Me Into The Hills' feels carefree and beguiling, hustled along by a thumping backbeat and backing vocals straight from a sixties diner.

‘Are You my Mother?' is an absolutely wonderful collection of heartfelt tracks that cosy up to you and make you feel part of the story. It‘s impressive for a singer to be capable of spanning so many genres, but to work them all into a huge, consistently glorious tapestry is masterful. One of my favourite albums this year, and wholeheartedly recommended.

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