Jules Rendell - The Lotus Bloom EP
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| Jules Rendell - The Lotus Bloom |
Release Date: 7th April 2014
OK, we can approach this a couple
of different ways. I could tell you that Jules is a Brummie living in London
who has sung backing vocals for Aled Jones and Nicole Scherzinger in the past.
Or I could tell you that Ms Rendell is an accomplished pianist who has
performed with Gorillaz at the Manchester Opera House. Depending on the
information you receive, you might have slightly different perceptions of this
artist but when you hear her voice then you know exactly what you're dealing
with. Kicking off with 'Destination' and straightaway you're treated to
Rendell's soulful voice and funky rhythm as she sings a life affirming song about
shedding the shackles of modern society and enjoying the journey through life -
a hippy? Me? I wish. 'Carry On' has a more 80s ballad feel to it but that may
be just because I've watched Working Girl in the past week and this song
immediately conjured up images of Melanie Griffith in ridiculous shoulder pads
trying to make her way in a male dominated world.
The middle of this five track EP
sees our heroine take centre stage on both piano and vocal duties as 'The Lotus
Bloom' is presented for your pleasure. The smoky piano playing and oh-so-soulful
piano playing is so pure and unaffected that you can't help but just stop and
listen - I'd go so far as to recommend closing your eyes and letting the music
wash over you too. There is an innocent sweetness to 'A Token Of My Love' which
has a very 90s feel to in the vein of artists like Gabrielle or Eternal which
may not be the coolest reference points but at least these were vocalists who
traded on their ability to sing not how much flesh they could show in a video
or how many thinly veiled references to sex they could make in their lyrics.
Final track, 'One Day', has a beautiful, rippling piano riff which gives way to
string stabs and an uplifting melody that demands a black and white video about
people struggling in the face of adversity to go with Rendell's soaring vocals.
This won't be everyone's cup of tea (what is?) but I am entirely convinced of
the basis of Jules Rendell's obvious talent and her ability to write a well
constructed song that relies on ability instead of gimmicks or cleavage. Well
played that lady.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/julesrendellmusic?fref=ts