Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10

Summer’s over, the fascination with stifling heat and waves lapping at the feet can give way to the time and pleasure that of Almost Autumn, for whilst spring spells earthly renewal and the outlook of a year to come, it is in those days of autumn that we find a greater hope, that all that must be will come again once more, that the leaves show their full range of colour, that the light from a different angle in the sky gladdens the heart and sky, for what is better than residing in the heart of autumn than knowing it has so much to offer the world in terms of growth and beauty.

Five moments in time for Joelle Edwards in her guise as Almost Autumn and her new E.P., Grow, five songs which frame a voice that truly knows how to dig under the soul and plant seeds of interest, tenderly urge the garden of art to be seen in glorious colour, it is for this, that for many, the pleasure of her company will be one that will make the listener feel six feet tall.

Grow, we must or else we fall, the head on our shoulders will droop under the pressure of subsidence, the roots we put down in the camp of the artist we receive such an insight of humanity from, became decayed, they wither and they die.

Grow we must, but we require certain conditions in which to do so, and as the tracks Matter Of Time, Don’t Tell Anyone, Bristol, Chris and the E.P. title track, Grow, understands, we need kindness in our lives in which to show kindness back, and the songs have that kindness, that subtle use of beauty and compassion woven deftly between each note, each planted idea rising to meet the autumn sum with patient belonging and the endeavour to spread the joy it holds.

The other seasons may have their pleasures, their own moments of beauty to offer, but as this five- piece E.P. shows, there is always evidence of autumn that is forever, and golden.

Ian D. Hall