Old Ghosts & Lost Causes
Self-Released, 2019
9/10
Listen to Old Ghosts & Lost Causes
For many years Helene Cronin has been writing and performing behind the scenes, but here the songstress is front and center across 11 tracks of her vivid storytelling and heartfelt musicianship.
“Careless With A Heart” starts the listen with gentle acoustic strumming and expressive vocals from Cronin, and “Mean Bone” follows with a fuller delivery of cautious yet playful blues-rock.
Further along, “Riding The Gray Line” finds a warm and elegant place to reside with folk influences, while “El Camino Fly” flows with lush textures as Cronin radiates timeless melodies. “The Last Cowboy”, one of the album’s best, then showcases Cronin’s strong vocal prowess on a reflective tune with aching pedal steel.
Near the end, “Mongrels And Mutts” finds the record embracing adventurous sounds in the multifaceted approach, and “Ghost” ends the listen similar to how it started- Cronin armed with an acoustic guitar and her soothing pipes on a solo exit of sublime beauty.
Cronin delivers the entire package here, an album that blends together seamlessly from one track to the next, as she explores her vast skill set with imaginative, soulful and unforgettable songwriting that any and all fans of Americana and folk music will enjoy every second of.
Travels well with: Jane Kramer- Valley Of The Bones; Meghan Hayes- Seen Enough Leavers