‘Unguarded’ is, at its core, about Rae Morris’ voice. It’s a malleable thing, capable of snaking its way through a low-key ballad or blooming, Kate Bush-style, as part of an emotive chorus. There are some good songs here, but Morris makes them great.
The hype around her has been a slow-burn by modern standards, but justified at regular intervals by some head-turning live performances and the emergence of songs like Skin, which opens proceedings here and sounds as beguiling now as it did a year ago.
‘Unguarded’ is a very, very ambitious pop record. To such an extent that, had it not been delivered with such verve and confidence, it could easily have appeared overwrought or, even worse, to be attempting to substitute theatrics for substance.
But, with the title track, Under The Shadows, Closer or Morne Fortune, Morris marries sweeping atmospherics with songwriting nuts and bolts. They work because the basics are in place, just as Don’t Go is able to strip away any fancy stuff to reveal the bare bones - and again, that voice - below. Cold, a tie-up with Fryars, is subtle, clipped and addictive.
The start of the year has been a good one for the hype machine, but the clock is ticking on those anointed as future stars to prove they have the goods. Rae Morris will outlast it with ease.
Rae Morris Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Tue February 03 2015 - GLASGOW King Tuts
Wed February 04 2015 - LEEDS Wardrobe
Thu February 05 2015 - BIRMINGHAM Institute Temple
Fri February 06 2015 - MANCHESTER Ruby Lounge
Sun February 08 2015 - OXFORD O2 Academy Oxford
Tue February 10 2015 - BRIGHTON Brighton Komedia
Wed February 11 2015 - PORTSMOUTH Wedgewood Rooms
Thu February 12 2015 - LONDON Electric Brixton
Sat February 14 2015 - BRISTOL Thekla
Sun February 15 2015 - NOTTINGHAM Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Mon February 16 2015 - NORWICH Norwich Arts Centre
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