Amy Birks - All That I Am And All That I Was
Amy Birks
All That I Am And All That I Was
8/10
By Decibel Report - Apr 2, 2020
Former Beatrix Players co-composer and vocalist Amy Birks has been busy pottering about in her inner realm of creativity. Not rushing her inspirational visions, she's sonically honed eleven finely tuned songs of delicate melodies replete with wondrous depths of beauty on this enchanting solo release.
Gleaming with jewels of musical deftness, this captivating release reveals literary songs, narratives and melodies that lays bare an artist who pours forth her pure emotions from a deep inner well of personal feelings and sharply observed impressions.
Equipped with a voice that could make angels weep the sweetest of tears, and soften the hardest of darkened hearts to putty, the haunting Jamaica Inn sets the dramatic tone to this confident, interpersonal first solo release as the candid, confidential nature of Say Something confides a dark cautionary tale to the listener.
The spectral Catherine will draw inevitable comparisons to Kate Bush as Birks’ vocal entwines with cello in a lament to the unjust fate of The Lady of Aragon.
As well as being a consummately crafted album of gossamer light and densely textured surprises, Miss Amy Birks pulls off a major coup as Steve Hackett brings his legendary heft, with stunning acoustic flair, to dab hand masterful flamenco hues on I Wish; whose lyric is based on words by eminent Victorian poet Christina Rossetti.
Steve Hackett’s renowned flautist brother John also breathes his rarified air on Jamaica Inn on this inaugural release of cultured acuity from an emerging solo artist.
With her determined focus and breadth of talent, Birks is well on her way to joining her peers who themselves have travelled down a singular path very few with unique talents dare to tread.
This is an album of astute passionate portraits by an artist ready to produce entrancing masterpieces.