Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Listen to Love Lies ‘N’ Leaving
The Australian, Fremantle-based singer/songwriter and guitarist Helen Townsend focuses much on harmony with this quick EP, where folk, country and blues are all part of her inimitable brand of Americana.
“Devil’s Curse” gets the listen off to an acoustic guitar fueled start, where Shannon Smith’s harmony vocals are met with James Church’s dobro to illuminate the poetic storytelling, and “If I Didn’t Know Better” follows with a duet cover where the pair weave their harmonies around the emotive climate.
“Where Are You Now” lands in the middle, and it recruits a warm bluegrass feel that benefits from Ian Simpson’s banjo to complement the lush beauty, while “If You Were Real” places Lucky Ocean on dobro and Ben Franz on double bass alongside Townsend and Smith’s expressive voices.
“We’re Through” exits the listen, and it’s an upbeat break up tune that’s not short on melody and harmony, where much prettiness surrounds the wordplay of the dissolution of love.
Townsend makes for a very spontaneous feel to the affair, where the songs are meticulous, but the delivery seems like it’s happening right in front of you, and the esteemed help on hand only further solidify the record as a very accomplished version of Americana.
Travels well with: Kim Beggs- Steel And Wool; Vanessa Lively- Truth Is