Mae Karthauser - August 
Release Date: Out Now
It has been nearly ten years since Mae Karthauser last released an album which would be a big gap for most artists but it takes time to spin gold and that's what the Devon based singer-songwriter has been doing to create this new collection, 'August'. The first of the 14 tracks, 'Ten Minutes', is a gloriously free floating piano meander and seemingly spontaneous lyric joined by mournful cello and fluttering flute. 'Come My Love' is a more forlorn track taking a wander over the piano keys while Karthauser's voice languishes luxuriously like a heartbroken Parisian poet at dusk.
There's a real French circus vibe to 'Accordion Song' which hops and twirls with giddy energy before 'Factory of the Mind' clatters and clicks with the speed of a production line as part of a Tim Burton musical based on a lost Roald Dahl novel. There is a softer and more early morning feel to 'Lay and Forget' which sounds like a Cosmo Sheldrake composition (a huge compliment) while 'When' rolls around the ivories with a lavish disregard for anyone and anything. The halfway point is marked by 'The Tale of Every Man' and if you're not in love with the combination of piano and voice by now then this song will tip you over the edge with its somber but luxurious melodies underpinned by a mournful string sound.
The musical odyssey continues with the rhythmic urban chug of 'Ask No Questions' followed by the ponderous 'What If' featuring the simple but oh so effective line of "What if there was nothing wrong and every fear you had was gone". On 'Conjure Up A Shadow' there's a hint of Joni Mitchell to Karthauser's voice and the deftness of playing but the tone shifts for 'This Donkey Ride' which embraces that nightmarish Fairground-after-closing vibe with spooky pianos and shuddering sounds coming in from the shadows. The dramatic and swooning qualities of 'Tame Me, I'm Wild' are simply stunning in their poise but penultimate 'Dear Nora' has a sweeter, more misty eyed heart to it that brings a lump to the throat and stops the world for a minute or two.
The album comes to a climactic close on 'I Am Hungry' (surely a strong candidate for a T-shirt or tote bag) and by the time I've listened to this whole album through I can honestly say I feel better. My soul feels enriched, my mind feels invigorated and my body feels lighter so my only question is why haven't you listened to this yet? It might be called 'August' but this is an album for all year round.
More information: https://www.facebook.com/maekarthausermusic
Live Dates:
8th June - The Great Lawn Sessions, Dartington Estates
28th-31st July - Exmouth Festival, Exmouth w/Sound of the Sirens + Pattern Pusher + Joanna Cooke and more.