Hunter, Hunter [CD]

'Hunter, Hunter' is the 5th. album from Canadian singer-songwriter Amelia Curran. I bought her previous album, 'War Brides', because I liked her voice so much - and, without a doubt, it is an album of fine songs and accomplished playing also. However, as it turned out, I thought that album was somewhat hit and miss in terms of its instrumental arrangements and production/mixing; it also sounds rather loud - not what I'd expect from an acoustic folk album. The instrumental accompaniment on 'Hunter, Hunter' is more stripped back and the playing is less obtrusive, allowing the songs and Amelia's delivery of them to take centre stage. Although 'Hunter, Hunter' is an album of contemporary folk music, its simple acoustic arrangements and sparse (occasionally slightly eerie and desolate) sound imbue it with an almost traditional air and, most certainly, a reflective and wistful mood. 'The Mistress' has a touch of blues about it, and there's a swing-jazz flavour to the rhythms on 'The Company Store' and 'The Dozens'.

Amelia possesses a singularly distinctive voice - it's a simmering and seductive husky alto, combined with a moderately terse style of phrasing. Her songs are slow to medium tempo ('Wrecking Ball' is a little more up-tempo), and they are ones that benefit from repeated listening - with melodies that are subtle rather than 'instant'. She uses sharp lyrics to circumscribe themes of personal experiences - their meaning may not be fully obvious, but the imagery is powerful. Although having said this, I found a good few of the songs to be fairly accessible even upon first hearing them. There are no songs that I dislike, and whilst there are just a couple of lesser appeal, I never skip them - Amelia's captivating vocals are just too good to miss; my favourites are : `Bye Bye Montreal', `Hands On A Grain of Sand', `The Mistress', `Julia', 'Tiny Glass Houses', `Love's Lost Regard' and `Wrecking Ball'. Instrumental accompaniment includes acoustic guitar and acoustic bass on most tracks, with contributions from dobro, accordion, bouzouki, banjo, piano, French horn and trombone on selected tracks; drums/percussion (often feathery and light) are played on several tracks. Additionally, many songs feature some most agreeable harmony vocals.

Whilst I quite enjoy 'War Brides' (subject to some reservations), I prefer 'Hunter, Hunter' - I feel it is a more consistent album with superior instrumental arrangements and production. If you are unfamiliar with Amelia Curran and you like singer-songwriters who inject something of a raw edge into their music, then she may appeal to you. On the other hand, if you prefer your contemporary folk music with a smoother and more polished sound, then possibly not. 'Hunter, Hunter' is a fine example of singer-songwriter fare of the slightly rootsier and edgier variety - it's an album that rewards close listening.

I cannot believe no one has commented yet. Amelia Curran is one of the finest contemporary singer/songwriters around. This album is beautiful and you won't regret buying it. She won a well deserved Juno for this album. Her other album War Brides is also wonderful. She is witty, warm and possessed of a smoky gorgeous voice.Check it out.