"Red Leaf" by Shelley Harland

Shelley Harland’s debut album Red Leaf has found its home in my stereo for the past couple of weeks. I must admit that the first time I heard it the disc washed over me in a wave of pleasant. It was a lovely experience, but not one that compelled me to rush back.

Days passed before I gave it another spin, and then I had to give it another spin just to be sure, but I think I’ve got it. It’s not that this album isn’t accessible first time around, but it is one that gets a little richer with every listen. You need time to appreciate its understated charms.

There’s nothing flashy about Shelley’s music. In “Friday,” she’s singing about the way the drone of nine to five leaves us waiting for the weekend. In “Clouds Disappear” she recounts another ordinary day, with flat walkman batteries, trips to the laundromat, and TV dinners.

The music too is low-key. That organic sound is so appealing when everything on the radio seems to be produced and processed within an inch of its life. An acoustic guitar and a couple of strings leave plenty of room for the songs and Shelley’s ethereal voice to fill, and fill them they do.

On this album, Shelley Harland has proven herself to be a master craftsman of songs that are accessible, yet surprisingly complex. Red Leaf is a slow burner, but once it grabs you it doesn’t let go.

Image source: Shelley Harland MySpace

Shelley Harland Releases Wonder-Ful EP

Singer-songwriter Shelley Harland is definitely one to watch. The well travelled London-born musician spent the last few years in New York, and recently moved to Sydney. Lucky us! She’s wasted no time introducing herself to Aussie audiences, recently earning the support slot on The Fray’s national tour.

“Wonder” is the title track from her new EP, a cool breezy track that sits nicely with the sound she’s discovered here in Oz.

“The music I made changed when I moved to Australia,” Shelley said in a statement. “I wasn’t listening to anything different. My tastes have always been about The Beatles, Motown, The Carpenters, Bjork, Portishead and Fleetwood Mac. But while New York made me feel electric, Sydney was so laid back and beautiful that my music took on that flavour.”

If you love it you’ll be happy to know that there’s more where that came from. Shelley’s debut album Red Leaf is scheduled for release later this year through Albert Music.