Lizabett Russo – Something-in-movement
Self Released – 10 May 2019
Lizabett Russo’s third studio album Something-in-movement feels like one of the most exciting and interesting releases of 2019!
Musically the record establishes its scope and depth by ambitiously interchanging Eastern European, World and Celtic music blended to create moments of surprise as well as comforting familiarity. At the core we find Russo’s versatile and extraordinary voice weaving a line either side of Avant-Garde, thriving on light and dark in such a way the result is just outstanding.
Russo is originally from Brasov in Transylvania, and her Romanian heritage and reasoning for a move to the UK influence Something-in-movement and subsequently provides one of its underlying themes. Those familiar with her previous work will recognise her responding to a sense of alienation from the viewpoint of a “stray cat” previously heard on her debut EP The Traveller’s Song released in 2013, and subsequent albums Running with the Wolves (2015) and The Burning Mountain (2016).
In the opening track Ocean Frequency, Russo the “black sheep” addresses the strain a pursuit of the Arts brought on her relationship with her family. Later in the album, the impact of “forever wandering the streets” is felt but although these topics are real and no doubt challenging at times, the over-riding impression of this album is not melancholy. There is an openness to be found in the darkness, and an honesty where there is self-doubt. Written with a subversive awareness to modern day society that perhaps is more keenly felt as an immigrant, the message is universal when it comes to kindness, love and relationships.
The album is made up of nine original songs plus the final song which is an interpretation of traditional Romanian song Danube Song which she remembers her grandfather singing to her as a child while working in the fields of Romania. Much like the different musical influences to be heard, the songs vary in style from the telling of a medieval story in Penumbra, merging Celtic and Romanian music, to the Jazz tones of The Back leg of the and recent live favourite Times of Change while relating to indie folk. The triumph beyond the excellence is how well this variety sits together.
This deep and complex recording benefits massively by the hugely talented band made up of Graeme Stephen, electric guitar, loops/effects; Pete Harvey, cello; Tim Lane, tongue drum, percussion and Tim Vincent-Smith, violin.
In particular, Stephen’s guitar and effects create both positive and negative space throughout, and songs Deep Dark Moon and Birds highlight this technique as they control the atmospheric background that allows Russo superb vocal freedom. A beautiful example can be found midway through Deep Dark Moon when it all but stops, to be resurrected by ghostly guitars breathing new life into Russo to deliver an amazing haunting vocal performance that soars the song to climax. As if this wasn’t enough the song also manages to reflect Russo’s recent time in Japan with a quirk in her singing style and instruments used.
The overall production and soundscape created on Something-in-movement are reflective of Russo’s ability to make music theatrical and no doubt aided by Stephen’s recent projects overlaying sound to old silent movies. With a definite sense of drama and suspense, the notes and music seem to follow Russo like a dog running free from its owner on a long walk across a moor, both ultimately wandering but arriving in harmony at the intended destination.
Although it feels possible to write an entire review for each track in isolation, it’s worth highlighting a couple of tracks that demonstrate the expansive nature of this album. When The North Wind Blows is a beautiful poetic tune and one which is perhaps reflective of modern Folk, it evokes a soulful nostalgia, and an emotional feeling similar to the vibe Joan Baez’s Diamonds and Rust achieves. The shifting direction and simple classical guitar notes, higher pitched vocals, and use of echo makes this a moving and moving track.
The Hunter and the Prey is another standout tune and one which brings out nearly all of the individual elements of the other songs. There is an edginess to both the lyrics and a sense of urgency that the swirling and layered music create. Thought provoking lyrics like “Hungry birds keep knocking at my window/ They ask for a soul in return for their gold” provide Russo with the chance to reflect on the state of society. It’s an abstract song with manages to merge psychedelic guitars which would not be out of place on a Pink Floyd record and a some more traditional elements found in Folk.
Each song on Something-in-movement has its individuality, and nearly always brings something unexpected. Sometimes wonderfully strange, but always engaging. Something-in-movement is a striking album, impressive as much as it is inventive, from a brave and rare artist. There are songs within songs, rhythms that push both hard and soft, sung with an unorthodox approach that never feels inaccessible or out of place. It is Russo’s mysterious and alluring style that underlines her considerable talent, Something-in-movement is nothing short of a masterpiece.
https://youtu.be/D_j1_EDWgi0
Something-in-movement is out now. Order here: https://lizabettrusso.bigcartel.com/product/something-in-movement-album-pre-order
https://www.lizabettrusso.com/