Artist Review: Mindy Gledhill, Pocketful of Poetry
Artist: Mindy Gledhill
Album: Pocketful of Poetry
Genre: Folk Pop
RIYL: Ingrid Michaelson, Katie Herzig, Lucy Schwartz
The press piece for Mindy Gledhill’s bio reads like this: “indie singer songwriter that will leave you floating like a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a strawberry soda.” I’m inclined to agree, there’s an instant charm, sweetness and light during an introductory listen to Gledhill’s new album, Pocketful of Poetry. But like many a well-crafted sweet confection, there is a depth to her flavor, and a complexity to the layers at play underneath the surface.
The title track kicks off the album, and it’s instantly engaging. Gledhill’s vocals are the star of the show, and that’s apparent from the first strains of this song through to the final track. There’s a purity to her voice, both as a vocalist and a songwriter, that feels unrehearsed. It’s genuine, and fills each track with a clarity and strength that shines through even when the bells and whistles start to reveal themselves.
And reveal themselves they do in the second track, “Trouble No More.” Banjos pluck, fingers snap and the more quirky character of Gledhill’s songwriting begins to come out. It’s a very cinematic song in scope, easy to imagine in your mind’s eye, putting pictures to words. “I Take Flight” continues the upward swing with the incorporation of a gorgeous swell of strings that smartly underpin, rather than overwhelm, Gledhill’s vocals. “Oh No!,” admittedly a personal favorite, recaptures that grander sound, absolutely basking in all of Gledhill’s strengths: character, charm, complex arrangement and a dynamic vocal performance.
The very romantic and reminiscent style of lyrics in “Picture Show” isn’t an easy moment to pull off; what comes off as sincere for Gledhill would be tough for another artist to deliver. “Shadow Children” continues this trend, a touching and tender reflection of childhood that transcends memory and lifts this record to another level. And the dreamy “Honey,” a made-for-cinema moment if I’ve every heard one, hits all the right notes (and will having you reaching for the phone or typing an email to a loved one by the end).
Pocketful of Poetry is just that; it’s a delightful collection of captured moments, honest lyrics and purity of voice. Mindy Gledhill’s strength lies in her believability and conviction, as a vocalist and songwriter. It’s refreshing to hear her striving for and achieving that goal with each track on this album. I found myself caught up in those moments with her, and that is the highest form of accomplishment for any musician.
Mindy Gledhill website: http://www.mindygledhill.com
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_mindy_gledhill_pocketful_of_poetry)
Album: Pocketful of Poetry
Genre: Folk Pop
RIYL: Ingrid Michaelson, Katie Herzig, Lucy Schwartz
The press piece for Mindy Gledhill’s bio reads like this: “indie singer songwriter that will leave you floating like a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a strawberry soda.” I’m inclined to agree, there’s an instant charm, sweetness and light during an introductory listen to Gledhill’s new album, Pocketful of Poetry. But like many a well-crafted sweet confection, there is a depth to her flavor, and a complexity to the layers at play underneath the surface.
The title track kicks off the album, and it’s instantly engaging. Gledhill’s vocals are the star of the show, and that’s apparent from the first strains of this song through to the final track. There’s a purity to her voice, both as a vocalist and a songwriter, that feels unrehearsed. It’s genuine, and fills each track with a clarity and strength that shines through even when the bells and whistles start to reveal themselves.
And reveal themselves they do in the second track, “Trouble No More.” Banjos pluck, fingers snap and the more quirky character of Gledhill’s songwriting begins to come out. It’s a very cinematic song in scope, easy to imagine in your mind’s eye, putting pictures to words. “I Take Flight” continues the upward swing with the incorporation of a gorgeous swell of strings that smartly underpin, rather than overwhelm, Gledhill’s vocals. “Oh No!,” admittedly a personal favorite, recaptures that grander sound, absolutely basking in all of Gledhill’s strengths: character, charm, complex arrangement and a dynamic vocal performance.
The very romantic and reminiscent style of lyrics in “Picture Show” isn’t an easy moment to pull off; what comes off as sincere for Gledhill would be tough for another artist to deliver. “Shadow Children” continues this trend, a touching and tender reflection of childhood that transcends memory and lifts this record to another level. And the dreamy “Honey,” a made-for-cinema moment if I’ve every heard one, hits all the right notes (and will having you reaching for the phone or typing an email to a loved one by the end).
Pocketful of Poetry is just that; it’s a delightful collection of captured moments, honest lyrics and purity of voice. Mindy Gledhill’s strength lies in her believability and conviction, as a vocalist and songwriter. It’s refreshing to hear her striving for and achieving that goal with each track on this album. I found myself caught up in those moments with her, and that is the highest form of accomplishment for any musician.
Mindy Gledhill website: http://www.mindygledhill.com
(This originally appeared on Indie-Music.com at: http://www.indie-music.com/ee/index.php/blog/comments/review_mindy_gledhill_pocketful_of_poetry)
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