‘Swimming in the Moon’ is the latest release from singer songwriter EMMA BLACK. It is her second CD release and follows 2007s ‘Where Dark Horses Roam’.
I confess I hadn’t heard of Emma until this arrived, and that’s a pity. Her song writing is excellent, her singing spot on, and all thirteen tracks on the album have some finely crafted instrumentation.
The album opens with ‘The Getaway’, a country song which has depth and vision. This is a song about breaking up a relationship, and whilst relationship problems have featured in songs since the dawn of time, Emma has a way with words that makes this seem like something new. Certainly, the song is told from the point of view of the person leaving: ”Springtime blossom rains down on these ancient city streets/ I feel the warm sunshine on my body, as my heart it gently weeps/ I’ve got to go, got to get away.”
Following on from this is the magnificent ‘Florence’, which has Gaelic overtones, featuring Riognach Connolly on whistle and flute. The lyrics here are spot on, however don’t expect an easy ride. This is a song as politicised as the best of The Redskins work. With the opening line “Florence died last night” the song details how the elderly are made to suffer in today’s society, unable to heat their home and wearing two jumpers just to keep out the cold, until hypothermia gets them.
This is a searing indictment of Cameron’s policies, and touches on the fact that things are definitely not getting better “Generations existing below the poverty line. It’s getting worse every year.” And this at a time when Iain Duncan Smith thinks that people can survive on £53.00 per week! The song also touches on the riots back in August 2011 “Last night I couldn’t sleep/ Sound of sirens and helicopters overhead.” This song is a tour de force and should be made compulsory!
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‘Pauper’s Grave’ is another tune which shows Emma’s outrage at the injustice of society. This is a great blues song with some wonderful harmonica playing by Franny Eubank. The sarcasm in Emma voice is almost evident when she sings: - “They say happiness doesn’t cost money, I know it's true/ I’ve a roof over my head and food in my stomach too/ There’s millions of people, lives much tougher than mine. So I count my blessings.”
'Swimming In The Moon' is a really good album, and one well worth adding to anyone’s collection. Emma has a depth and maturity in her song writing that shines. In addition to this she is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects. Emma is currently touring the UK, so check out her gigs on Emma Black online and buy the album. You won’t be disappointed.
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