The title track, In The World, is hopeful, combining sweet harmonies with a grabby build-up in the bridge; ‘This Love’ is spacious, with a James Taylor vibe; and ‘Home’ belies its gritty story of physical displacement with warm 70s-style drum beats and a pop rock feel.
‘Fall Down’ prickles with agitation, but behind the “f*** you!” vibe is a blend of soul and rock that artfully layers dry drums with the synth-like tones of the Hammond organ, electric guitar riffs and a build-up of vocal harmonies. On the face of it a rant at the world, its frustration is directed at the sabotage that goes on inside our own heads.
It’s the perfect counterpoint to the final track, ‘Mirror’, with lyrics reminiscent of Melissa Ferrick or Missy Higgins but guitar stylings that could have flown from Joni Mitchell’s own playbook. Add its subtle violin and Rhodes keyboard touches, creating an image of “little birds singing the song,” says Renée.
It’s that combination of deep personal connection and uncompromising musicianship that invites comparisons between Renée and singer songwriters Ani Difranco and Melissa Ferrick — the very artists who inspired her to embark on her musical career in the first place.
- Dan Thurston Crow
‘Fall Down’ prickles with agitation, but behind the “f*** you!” vibe is a blend of soul and rock that artfully layers dry drums with the synth-like tones of the Hammond organ, electric guitar riffs and a build-up of vocal harmonies. On the face of it a rant at the world, its frustration is directed at the sabotage that goes on inside our own heads.
It’s the perfect counterpoint to the final track, ‘Mirror’, with lyrics reminiscent of Melissa Ferrick or Missy Higgins but guitar stylings that could have flown from Joni Mitchell’s own playbook. Add its subtle violin and Rhodes keyboard touches, creating an image of “little birds singing the song,” says Renée.
It’s that combination of deep personal connection and uncompromising musicianship that invites comparisons between Renée and singer songwriters Ani Difranco and Melissa Ferrick — the very artists who inspired her to embark on her musical career in the first place.
- Dan Thurston Crow
'There would be few who couldn’t connect to the heartbreak that pours out.' - Emma Moss, NZ Musician Magazine, 2016