Zoe Wren - Gold & Smoke Review

Zoe Wren – Gold & Smoke – EP Review

Graham Barnes (Belter Radio)

I first came across Zoe Wren`s music when I decided that as we did not represent folk on our radio station I would present a folk show.

As the genre was new to me I got in touch with the excellent Folkstock Records to help with the new show, one of the tracks submitted to me was by a young lady called Zoe Wren, and her single Nothing to See it struck a chord with me and soon became one of my favourite tracks what I didn`t realise at the time was the fact that the artist singing was so young as the vocals were so cultured, mature if you like.

Zoe Wren has one of those voices which you simply can`t ignore beautifully toned and captivating and allied with the ability to write songs full of storytelling this is one folk artist with a very bright future.

Gold And Smoke - The title track is first up it is a fast paced song, guitar led with a captivating beat and a perfect folk sound, Zoe soon delivers the opening lines

“I have coins in my pockets, Good sense in my head” “If you think that I need much else, your poor soul's been misled.”

The excellently written song tells a story of rejection hidden by pride and faced with the outward steeliness of a seasoned gambler but still with a trace of vulnerability and longing for companionship.

She`s A Highwayman – This track was the first single released from the EP. The song has a catchy melody and vocal line. Following on for the first track this one also has a fast tempo to it.

Zoe tells the story of the song the heroine reversing roles and finding her freedom from an oppressing relationship and actually leaving. A brilliant twist on a traditional folk story

If I Had A Voice – A gentle start to this really pleasant sounding song that carries a message about persistent men who try to constantly woo women and turn no into yes.

“I only have two words to call my own

Given to me by my old man

Oh but you take them and you twist them like old bones

You do the best you can”

Zoe has expertly turned the scenario around to give women a reply to this behaviour and I`m sure there are women who will relate to this song.

“But if I had the choice

And if I had the chance to say

And If I had a voice

I'd give you a piece of my mind”

This Old Hat – Oh my this song is simply stunning, everything from the production, arrangement and choice of instruments to Zoe`s perfectly pitched trademark vocals. Zoe tells the tale from a man’s point of view as he looks back at his life

“A poor old man am I

Come listen to my song

Provisions they are twice as dear

As that when I was young

Oh when I was young”

The opening lines set the mood on this track of reminiscing and longing for a return to former days of youth.

Silkie Lullaby – Based on an old Orkney Island legend Zoe works her magic with the lyrics. A lovely intro gently picking guitar and Zoe`s crystal voice, the song picks up pace however as Zoe tells the story of the a woman who does not know where the father of her baby is, however a Silkie which according to legend bears the resemblance of a man on land but a seal in the water claims he is her child’s father and foretells a grim future for the boy.

“I walk the forest but my home is in the sea

For I'm a silkie and I come from Sule Skerrie

I am the father of the little boy you hold

And I've returned to you his fortune to be told”

Lady Mary (trad) – A traditional song to finish the EP and the only one that is not written by Zoe. A gentle track that shows Zoe`s lovely vocals off perfectly a fittingly beautiful song to end a great EP.

This EP is an amazing piece of work, Folkstock are fortunate not only to have an artist like Zoe Wren on their roster they also have the excellent producer Lauren Deakin- Davies whose work is rightly being recognised and on Zoe`s EP the result is exceptional, the artist and producer have come up with a perfect blend. In my opinion this is a must have EP for any modern folk collection but it also will have an appeal to the fans of more traditional folk music.

For more information on Zoe Wren go to -

http://www.zoewren.com

https://folkstockrecords.bandcamp.com/album/gold-and-smoke