CD Review: Moira Smiley & VOCO's 'Laughter Out Of Tears'

Moira Smiley & VOCO
Laughter Out Of Tears
Whim Records

The sensational vocal songs of Moira Smiley & VOCO are steeped in Appalachian, Scandinavian, and European styles that echo similarities with Dala Girls, Varttina, Heidi Talbot, Helene Blum, Fay Hield, Karine Polwart, and similar gals. The album features fifteen songs of audio delight that are mostly original songs, but some are covered from Swedish, Appalachian, Serbian, and Croatian ancestries. A few feature vocals as the lead instrument. The group has an uncanny ability to magically gel together with such a compelling and intriguing vocal repertoire that is never pretentious or egotistical. You will even hear a little Zero 7 and Dala Girls influences on "Blow Blow Thou Winter Wind." The forty-five-minute album is hearty enough; even for the most discriminating vocal connoisseur. Anyone with an interest in female vocal folk music will relish Laughter Out Of Tears. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Fay Hield's 'Looking Glass'

Fay Hield

Looking Glass

Topic Records

U.K.-native, Fay Hield, dazzles audiences with her folk-based songs. A purely folk-endeavor, Fay incorporates a few instruments familiar to the folk genre, including the fiddle, concertina, viola, nyckelharpa, and guitar. The songs seem to be inspired by Scottish, Gaelic, or Celtic roots. Fay sings in English, even though her voice takes on an almost Gaelic-vocal signature. The folk music is similar in sound to Scotland's Karine Polwart and Julie Fowlis. The sweet melodies, contemplative fiddling, and poetic lyrics steeped in English history and fables mark a solid effort for English folk music. Looking Glass is devoid of modern arrangements or electronic wizardry. In short, Fay sings from the heart and so do the instruments. Looking Glass contains giddy tunes, vocal masterpieces, and an equal amount of charismatic charm. ~ Matthew Forss