Kelsey Michael – Lethowsow – Skylight Webzine

Kelsey Michael’s debut album Lethowsow is a beautiful and attractive voyage through ethereal soundtracks, filled with nostalgia and a strong connection to nature. The album, released by Peckham-based label Dimple Discs, pays homage to Michael’s love of 60s and 70s piano singer-songwriters such as Laura Nyro and Carole King, while also using contemporary recording elements that add an innovative spin to traditional styles. Lethowsow, which means “the milky ones” in old Cornish, provides a depth of mystery to the album, which perfectly matches the theme study of the sea, nature, and philosophical emotions. The Seven Stones reef off Lands End, with its treacherous, jagged rocks and ever-changing seas, acts as a metaphor for Michael’s unpredictable and deeply emotional trip. The album is a fine balance of nostalgia and modernism. Michael’s primary instrument, the piano, is smooth and ethereal, frequently acting as the basis for her lovely voice. Tracks such Gry Maritha and Music of the Waves have a beautiful, even magical air to them, bringing listeners into a dreamy state where the sounds of the water and the poetry of the words mix easily. These ballads have a sad but peaceful character that triggers feelings of desire and thoughtfulness. However, Lethowsow has a more lighthearted, playful side. Songs like Mounts Bay Morning, with their jazzy grooves and energetic rhythms, provide a rush of energy. The optimistic, dance energy of these tracks contrasts nicely with the album’s deeper sections, providing a mix of light and dark, joy and sadness. Tracks like Tide Comes In / The Crossing and Washing Line use new elements that add a current, contemporary vibe. These songs feature recent production approaches, such as soft synths and lo-fi percussion, which provide an additional dimension to the record. The warmth of the production, along with Michael’s lyrical voice, creates a sound that is classic, easily integrating past inspirations with contemporary vibes.