Cairns, Maryen: Anew

Life, lockdown and left turns appear to have strongly influenced the seventh solo album from Maryen Cairns, who eagle eyed music followers may also recognise as a backing vocalist on the Internal Exile album by Fish. Musically, however, Anew is very much its own beast, contained, mainly acoustic and yet far reaching in intention and execution, it finds a storyteller regaling her tales as you relax into what is a complex yet welcoming musical setting.

Comparisons are difficult to come by without leading the listener astray, but as much of this album slides on by, it is often the contemplating atmosphere of Damian Wilson’s solo work that hints its presence, both through the music, and indeed in places, vocally. Cairns, who wrote all of the twelve songs on this release teamed up with Chris Kimsey, no less, to co-produce the results, this long established partnership creating a remarkably relaxed, natural sounding album that feels familiar from the first moment you step inside its world. The place of women in society, climate change and even some more enigmatic tales of smugglers are all tackled on the album alongside other equally intriguing topics, and thanks to the fragile yet bold voice of Cairns, it’s difficult not to tune in to what this lady has to say.

First impressions, while immediately engaging, only hint at what’s going on here, and I’d suggest donning headphones to fully immerse yourself in the likes of “Slice Of Pie� as you get to know this album. The experience offers different types of rewards altogether, as the clever instrumentation truly begins to come into its own, as layered vocal lines hold you firmly yet gently. The same can be said for the fully involving and lyrically knowing “Superwomen�, which truly becomes a strident journey as you get under its skin.

In truth, I couldn’t imagine listening to Anew on all occasions, with this experience being one fit for certain times, certain moods, and I’d suggest, isolated moments where you’re looking for something with real depth and an understated strength to carry you away. Taken in during times such as these, Anew isn’t just an interesting listen, it is a truly moving experience.

Track Listing
1. Change In The Weather
2. Spill The Tea
3. The Smuggler’s Tale
4. Spirit (Alt Mix)
5. Slice The Pie
6. SiStar
7. Friends
8. Superwoman
9. Slow Burn
10. Hope
11. The Haunted Tone
12. Spirit

Added: May 27th 2023
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: MaryenCairns.com
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Language: english

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