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Reviewed by Jennifer Shields

Miss Peach & The Travellin’ Bones: Sand

Reviewed by Jennifer Shields

Miss Peach & The Travellin’ Bones: Sand

This is a strong debut blending folk and country with almost gothic-style vocals. Miss Peach ’s voice is front and centre of this 12-track album, often dramatic, always memorable, transitioning easily from near operatic to bluesy rockabilly. The Travellin’ Bones bring their own influences of jazz, classical and rock to the songs, creating a sound that is often a little different but catchy and enjoyable. The songwriting has a strong blues influence, almost always narrative-based, with a story to tell. Miss Vaudeville (‘Eighteen years old and ready to kill. Likes to tie ribbons up in her hair, but be careful boys…’) is a prime example. Actually, vaudeville is also a good descriptor, especially with tracks like 2 Guns and The Ferryman. While most of the tracks sound wonderfully larger-than-life, Oh My Stars feels more intimate, showing off Miss Peach’s strong voice and skilled writing. She has a real talent for combining complex character and narrative with catchy, often repetitive lyrics. It sometimes feels as if her story carries across the album – from Box Of Matches and her plan to burn a town, climaxing in Tombstone as the character faces death, before culminating at the end of the album with Spectacular, with its longing but triumphant refrains. ‘Sand’ is an album that captures your attention and may require multiple listens to comprehend.