Haligonian Heather Green blurs the line between an EP and an LP with her 25-minute, stylistically packed third release, Clementine. Returning to the studio with producer Daniel Ledwell following their successful collaboration on her 2012 record Your Last War, Green jumps from radio-friendly pop-rock on "The Wild Ones" to sweet and simple folk on the title track, and lands many places in between on this ambitious undertaking.
Centred on relationships, romantic or otherwise, the lyrical themes here allow Clementine a sense of cohesion. Though some songs falter in conveying their message effectively — the sting listeners need to feel upon Green's repetition of the line "I never wanted you" in the moody "Say Whatcha Say" is absent, and the backing swirls in "Carrying Place" makes the song too hazy to feel emphatic — others do her talents justice. The attention to detail and confident vocal delivery on "The Wild Ones" makes it shine bright, while the countrified "Last Leg," featuring help from Halifax band Young River, is an easy-going, melodious and emotionally ripe tune.
Faults aside Clementine is a nice step forward for Green, and provides a few nice examples of how extensive her powers can reach.
(Independent)Centred on relationships, romantic or otherwise, the lyrical themes here allow Clementine a sense of cohesion. Though some songs falter in conveying their message effectively — the sting listeners need to feel upon Green's repetition of the line "I never wanted you" in the moody "Say Whatcha Say" is absent, and the backing swirls in "Carrying Place" makes the song too hazy to feel emphatic — others do her talents justice. The attention to detail and confident vocal delivery on "The Wild Ones" makes it shine bright, while the countrified "Last Leg," featuring help from Halifax band Young River, is an easy-going, melodious and emotionally ripe tune.
Faults aside Clementine is a nice step forward for Green, and provides a few nice examples of how extensive her powers can reach.