This is the first time I have come across the music and vocals of Sarah Lambert-Gates, but I see I need to seek out more. Apparently, she writes and records in different formations of the band, but for this one she has been joined by Bones Huse (frontman for doom rock band Morass of Molasses) on acoustic baritone guitar and together they composed and recorded this suite of songs together on Sarah’s boat, whilst moored on Hardwick estate in Oxfordshire. The baritone guitar in many ways reminds me of a harp, while Sarah’s vocals are incredibly clear which immediately makes me think of Talis Kimberly, while Mediæval Bæbes are another clear influence, along with Maryen Cairns and Jo Beth Young.
The only real issue with this EP is that it is just that, and not an album, as the six songs are only 24 minutes in length and I would really love to hear so much more. This is singer songwriter material which has its feet firmly set in the tradition, just brought into the modern day to make it more palatable to many. I know that if I was in the UK I would by now already checking out what dates Sarah is performing as there is something about this wonderfully beautiful release which makes me want to see how she can perform in a live environment. Apart from reverb there is no studio trickery here, just a guitarist and a singer totally aligned to create magic from the air and then capturing it for us to be able to revel in it. It certainly never sounds as if it was recorded on a boat, but I can imagine listening to the water gently lapping against the boat with the sounds of the night merging with this to create something very special indeed. Sheer beauty at its best.
Rating: 10/10