Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
In a city that celebrates its music in much the same way it celebrates its sporting heroes, there are always going to be those that gets more press than others. It is the way of things, it perhaps cannot be helped but at times it might feel disingenuous to those that add so much important flavor to the world, regardless of where they play or for how long.
One such figure who carves a deep gauge through the local music world is SheBeat, a woman who has thrilled audiences wherever she performs, music with deep emotion and raw honesty is always hard to come by. SheBeat covers those important sensations with a sense of undisguised joy as she takes the crowd into a world that perhaps is only ever seen by those that truly look for it. Live she is a marvel, a treasure in which to wallow sublimely around, as the conductor of her own music within the hardened world of the E.P. release she is that curious, wondrous spectacle in which to gravitate towards.
The four song E.P. will be hugely familiar to anyone who has seen her perform, whether in the Bluecoat or elsewhere in the city that doesn’t lay down and die as many in another place would arguably be delighted to see, as they have been a staple of her live set for a while. To have them in a tangible form though, to have them in a solid state and not disappear after each play into the sky above the Mersey is a bonus.
The songs; Mine, the awesome Freaky Crazy, She Never Sleeps Alone and Always On the Run are the sounds of a woman in control of her own music and demeanor but who also acknowledges that the past has formed her ability to create a great track and the sensual, teasing nature of femininity. Freaky Crazy is a track of great depth because of its heightened nature, the recognition that in the minds of the artist, perhaps especially in the female artist, others judge without understanding and gain nothing by their out of date behaviour and lack of perception. SheBeat captures that recognition and accepts it for all that is worth. It is testimony to the artist’s endeavour and unbridled talent that she succeeds where others might flounder.
A great debut with the storming promise of more to come!
The launch of the E.P. is at The Shipping Forecast on Thursday November 6th. Tickets are just £4 in advance. To purchase the album online go to https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/shebeat-ep/id934271623?ls=1
Ian D. Hall