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Reviewed by Aleisha Ward

Jhan Lindsay & the Chattelaines: S/T

Reviewed by Aleisha Ward

Jhan Lindsay & the Chattelaines: S/T

Seventeen years in the making (according to her press), the debut album of Wellington-based musician/composer Jhan Lindsay is a meditative, laid back affair. While most of the album was recorded by Mike Gibson at Munki Studios, two of the tracks date from much earlier sessions (one in 2003 – recorded by Andrew MacMillian and one recorded by James Coyle (The Nudge) on location in Rarotonga in 2010), both of which fit into the shape of the album remarkably well. Lindsay is backed here by a fantastic mix of very fine musicians including Reuben Bradley (drums), Hannah Fraser (violin), Ruby Solly (cello), Tom Callwood (bass), Mike Hogan (guitar) and several others. The Chattelaines perform in various combinations behind Lindsay on guitar and vocals, providing a warmly embracing support. And this album really does feel like an embrace. Lindsay’s voice is warm and powerful, well matched to the string-based backing she has chosen. The violin and cello in particular add a plaintive, almost melancholy, feel, that interestingly only adds to the sense of warmth. This is definitely an album for listeners wanting to chill out and relax.