Out Of Water is the debut album by Rebecca Jones. Her background – Irish birth, youth in Brussels and eventual settlement in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne – has produced a collection of songs that belong somewhere between the European melody and mainstream folk traditions.
Jones prides herself on rejecting the verse/chorus, guitar/voice straightjacket of most acoustic albums, but fails to produce a credible alternative.
The album, comprising of two acts, is a collection of ambitious but meandering tracks. ‘Magic Roads’ begins well, but doesn’t fulfil its musical potential. Unfortunately it’s a pattern thqat repeats itself throughout the album.
Rebecca’s ‘alternative’ approach to songwriting eschews such niceties as hooks and chrouses – probbly not a good idea. That said, the unique sound of ‘Walking In The Rain’ showcases her undeniable vocal talent. But despite a beautiful voice and an interesting sense of what she wants to achieve, the end result falls short.
Key Track: ‘Magic Roads’