On the back of Lou Bradley’s new album it is written, This album was recorded live at Bill
Chambers’ house. Just Bill Chambers, Phillip Chaffer and me, sitting in a
circle playing my songs. No bullshit! And that’s a promise kept: there is
certainly no bullshit on this album that is full, instead, of poignancy, heart,
sadness and the occasional bit of wonder.
Moonshine is
dedicated to Bradley’s father, John, who died in April 2014. The album seems
shot through with grief for him, but it’s the sort of grief that is always
tinged by the happiness of having known someone so well and loved them so much.
Consequently there are many joyous moments in these country-folk songs that are
simply executed – just Lou, Phil and Bill, as Bradley says – but so layered
that they unfurl over repeated listenings and take root in the listener’s
brain.
There are stories of Bradley’s life on the north coast of
New South Wales – ‘Washed Up Hippy’ and ‘I Like it That Way; a song about the
magical impossibility of love (‘Like Making Water’), about the depths of life
(‘Wild’ and ‘Winter Blues’) and about her parents ('Cheers Barbara', ‘You Were Always There for
Me’). Ten songs in all, and all gems.
Bradley’s voice is a strong instrument that is allowed to be
vulnerable from time to time, always within Bradley’s control even at the
points where sadness is present. It is unpretentious and unself-conscious and,
in so many ways, adorable. The unadorned production on the album is what’s needed to keep
that voice and its stories at the forefront throughout.
In the last song, ‘You Were Always There for Me’, Bradley
sings, ‘I’ll be standing here with my heart wide open/There’ll be no closing
this heart any more’. This is a brave statement, and it speaks to that combination
of strength and vulnerability apparent in her voice. It’s also a description of
this album: open hearted, generous, warm and welcoming. It deserves to be
welcomed in return.
Moonshine is out now.
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