Album Description
Convention dictates a course of action for a new artist. The radio singles should happen before the single CD album. Big radio hit, big video, big album. But, not all music needs to fit to the formula to be worthwhile… Maple Bee runs against all convention with her debut solo release – a double album of beautiful, challenging music. "Chasing Eva" is a record that it’s not easy to categorise. It twists and turns – loops mixed with real instrumentation, drums, bass and guitar sitting alongside flutes, recorders, organs and samplers, whispered sounds mixed with powerful vocal performances. From the beautiful, mellowing acoustic "Hello Eve" to the come down pop of "City In A Belly", from the dark, brooding "The Messenger" to the tongue in cheek Edith Piaf on acid that is "Perhaps Perhaps" (the only cover on the album – a barely recognisable take on the Doris Day classic), from the 80's electronica of "This Time" to the cello fronted urgency of "Alright (Build Me A House)". "Chasing Eva" is part Bjork, part Kate Bush, part Ultramarine, part Edith Piaf, but at the same time completely unique. It's a record that draws you into its dreamlike state… The record is largely self-produced but with notable additions from John Fryer (Nine Inch Nails, Cocteau Twins) and Dave Dix (Boo Hewerdine, Eddi Reader). "Around The World In A Day" - like, Maple Bee plays most instruments on the record. The record was recorded across a variety of studios, bedrooms and four track recorders. Maple Bee's solo album is just one side of her prolific musical output. From bassist with her sister's band, rock stalwarts Queenadreena, to singer and songwriter with the Mediaeval Babes, to guitarist/vocalist with much respected rock band Vertigo Angels. With 21 tracks of intimate and cathartic melodies, exploring joy and vulnerability in equal measure, with claustrophobic beats mixed with honey tempered instrumentation, "Chasing Eva" is a classic album just waiting to be discovered.
See all 12 tracks on this disc
