Originally from Edinburgh, Storm The Palace have just released their debut album. Written over a nine year period whilst singer Sophie Dodds wrote about her life in London and the people she came across from day to day in the city, Snow, Stars And Public Transport is filled with insightful reflections alongside a beautifully rich musicality.
Opening the album is ‘The Moon Above Villiers Street’; flowing with the beguiling beauty of Dodds’ vocals alongside luscious twinkling melodies, it oozes a sweeping emotion-strewn power that’ll transport you to a French Café, croissant in hand, in no time.
From electro-fused folk to a more jazz-inspired sound, second track ‘Nadir’ is propelled by rich off-kilter keys and smooth, soulful vocals, creating an impassioned, old-time grandeur in the vein of songstresses such as Edith Piaf.
Whilst each track is utterly unique in style, what every offering on the collection has in common is the distinct, compelling voice of Sophie Dodds. ‘On Snowing’, for example, exudes a captivating dark energy and epic soaring strings, but is brightened with the delightful vocal harmonies that are created throughout.
From the uptempo, effervescent melodies of ‘Go Home’ to the Tango-like syncopated beats of ‘La Lido’, and the dreamy, delicate haze of ‘DLR Dreaming’, each track is filled with inspired lyrical storytelling depicting charming vignettes of everyday city life.
Whether it’s the ‘baroque-pop’ sounds and intriguing unfolding narrative of ‘Cadillacs And Carousels’ or the enchanting cinematic power and Regina Spektor reminiscent vocals of ‘Does It Have A Name’, each track oozes a soaring passion and enthralling charm.
Ending the album on a reflective note, ‘Little Rituals’ sums up Storm The Palace’s sound perfectly; as the fragility of the beautiful melodies is juxtaposed with the captivating power of Dodds’ vocals, it’s a musically rich and simply enchanting creation.
So, sit back, turn off the world, listen to Snow, Stars And Public Transport, and fall in love.
Snow, Stars And Public Transport is out now.