This four-track EP from UK based Helen Raven is her debut release with all tracks having been written, recorded and produced by the artist. Raven describes the genre of her work as “Folk Noir” which is presumably a reference to the heavy influence of the French chanson style which gives a melancholic tinge to the songs. Accompanied only by guitar, Raven’s at times erotic voice is very much to the fore, although her singing style means that the lyrics are often hard to follow especially on the opening track ‘La Rou Ronsard.’
What is clear is that Raven is an artist following her passion and doing so with conviction. The EP was recorded on homespun monophonic recording equipment but still sounds entirely professional. However, with only four songs on show and a couple of those only two minutes in length or under, this is a minimal piece of work which hints at what might be rather than what is.
https://soundcloud.com/user-966232500/la-rue-ronsard
Summary
UK based artist releases self produced “Folk Noir” EP
