While I am unsure why Caernarfon, North Wales based Sera feels the need to have an out of focus cover photo adorn the front of the CD cover, there is no shortage of focus regards the direction of her music. Due to the diverse, clever constant changing of musical arrangements and the varied tone of Sera vocals it ensures the listener is kept entertained.
Heartfelt searching ballads accompany the more forceful songs as in delightful “Carry Me” and dramatic opening track “Through The Wild” – a couple of songs that set the standard, and she manages to repeat the lofty benchmark on numerous counts.
Wistful, charming, delicate and colourful as autumn foliage at its best you have “Storm Cloud” and to a degree, “Creative Side” which veers between the sensitive and once it gains momentum cultured pop. Mellow and very much of an art feel “Waterside” to the accompaniment of piano is more akin to a grey, misty autumn morning.
Others of note include the reflective ballad, “This Town” – even here it isn’t too long before Sera is pushing boundaries. Her ability and desire to do so should not be lost on the listener. For here is a young lady unafraid to go out on a limb in the name of her art, and producer Eddie Al-Shakararchi on playing acoustic, electric, bass guitar, synths, drums and backing vocals to go with the violin of Jenn Williams and cello (Sion Lewis) ensure Little Girl is never dull or lacking in imagination or talent.
If you include the bonus track the album totals 13 compositions, most of which are solo efforts, four co-writes. Prettiest track “Your Joy” is up at the top, maybe even perched on its own!
Summary
Creative singer-songwriter combining folk and pop
