Moth To The Flame
Blue Elan, 2021
9/10
This first album on the Blue Elan label for singer-songwriter Natalie Gelman showcases the veteran artist’s timeless approach to songwriting that takes help from Charlie Midnight on the writing end, and Curt Schneider (bass), Eric Sullivan (guitar), Tim Young (guitars) and many others on the music side.
Gelman leads the album with the soaring, pretty pop prowess of “Photograph”, where her poetic and soulful vocals guide the emotive opener, and “Stronger” follows with Dave Palmer’s warm keys complementing Gelman’s strong range across the heartfelt landscape.
Further along, “The Way Things Go” benefits much from Blair Sinta’s proficient drumming in the gritty yet melodic climate, while “Some People” recruits banjo from Nathan McEuen, as rootsy ideas enter the soothing, eloquent delivery. “Love Me Let Go”, one of the album’s best, then flows with a punchy, firm rock’n’roll spirit that you’ll be singing along to immediately.
Landing near the end, piano balladry enters the bare, intimate “Unloving You”, that welcomes strings into the dreamy atmosphere, and “Won’t Matter Anymore” exits the listen with Jason Frazier’s harmonica accenting the vocally mesmerizing and musically reflective finish that embraces some country nods.
An emotionally raw career highlight that’s full of sincere, forthright and diverse song craft, Gelman’s roots in classical music and wide pop appeal are quite easy to appreciate on this stunning listen.
Travels well with: Cindy Alexander- While The Angels Sigh; Rachael Sage- Character