Review: Rosie Abbott

I reviewed the debut album by this up-and-coming singer songwriter from Nottingham a few months ago. It made an impression on me so I hope you enjoy it too. Make sure to check out her website for links to buy the album. If anybody has music they would like me to review please e-mail me at <padjis [at] gmail . com>


Beatles influence, check. Multi-instrumentalist, check. Home recording, check. Rosie Abbott seems to fit perfectly into that tired old singer-songwriter cliché. But in a world full of stereotypes and wannabes this woman refuses to be categorised. This album is clearly a response to this situation, playing on the theme of pigeon-holing. Rosie Abbott is like a breath of fresh air compared to the latest products of the mass-media machine. Her music rescues that fun childish innocence while creating a free and relaxed atmosphere. 

The simplest way to describe Rosie Abbott's sound is a cross between the Beatles and Regina Spektor. She doesn't try to hide her influences, the first track, If Everything Was Up To Me, could've been taken off any early Beatles album. It is beautifully simple. The voice is sweet and clear, the lyrics twee and childish. The lo-fi production complements this style perfectly. There's even a touch of whistling which is very nice. The rest of the album follows in a similar vein. Things are spiced up with some jazzy guitar, bluesy solos and even a trippy psychedelic interlude or two. Again this sounds like the later stages of the Beatles, or even more modern shoe-gaze indie. Rosie evokes other sounds of the past with waltzes and the final track A Year To Remember which reminds me of Auld Lang Syne. My favourite song by far has to be Victim Of My Imagination. Despite the quaint childish and folksy feel of the album this track is a real traditional punk tune. A demonic riff and angry distorted vocals. Maybe a slightly laid-back approach to punk it has certainly got the attitude. This sounds more like Patti Smith and reminds me of some early hardcore. 

This music is plain and simple but there is a lot more to it than it seems. Rosie explores the everyday in a childish and dreamy way. The rhythms chug along and the lyrics are charming. The instrumental skills are good and they serve the songs well, without overshadowing. The whole album is well put together. There are nice interludes and some diverse styles. I think this is an album that can really resonate with people. It's only downfall is that it mat be too simple, but for easy listening it is some quality music that is sure to strike a chord with people.