“We’ve all got to let a little sorrow go,” sings Holly Arrowsmith on Crying Woman, one of nine deliciously poignant tracks on her new album ‘A Dawn I Remember’.

It’s fair to say that the Otago singer/songwriter/acoustic guitarist has let more than a little sorrow leave her via her latest recording, but what a beautiful release, in all senses of the word.

There’s a deep and abiding pathos underpinning this whole album. Sensitive backing vocals and the gentlest of surrounding instrumental touches provide the foil to the songs themselves.

Lyrics and vocals are the heroes here, kept to the forefront in all their glory. Arrowsmith and producers Ben Edwards’ and Tom Lynch’s faith in simplicity pays off, listeners richly rewarded with an uncluttered, pristine sound throughout.

A collection of wistful reflections on loss, grief, love, and nature, the album commendably avoids ever becoming maudlin or self-indulgent. ‘A Dawn I Remember’ is itself deeply memorable.

Like the sunrise witnessed from a plane window, it brings perspective and beauty amidst reflection. A truly lovely album.