Alice Gold
Out 4 July
Since being named as one to watch by The Observer in September of last year, we have waited in quiet anticipation to hear some recorded material from 20-something Alice Gold and this month finally saw the release of her debut single Runaway Love.
A perky Parisian inspired pop track with a hard edge and a 60s vibe, the track is a highlight of Gold’s debut album, Seven Rainbows, out 4 July.
The track will be followed by Gold’s second single Cry Cry Cry, a stripped back, beat-focused track which has an altogether more generic sound, akin with KT Tunstall’s early work, but showcasing Gold’s commendable vocals and providing a solid summer single for the debut artist in June.
Seasons change is a darker alternative to the second single which, while still pop at its core - with a catchy chorus and simple structure, is far more melancholy in tone and content and demonstrates a range of influences.
Gold herself has dubbed this track the ‘mothership’ of the album but while it has its merit it doesn’t really justify the comparisons to the likes of Janis Joplin that have been cropping up.
With driving guitar, tracks like Orbiter demonstrate the rock n roll side of Gold that surrounds the solo artist’s hype and has been noted from her live performances, but Gold struggles against the heavy backdrop.
The artist’s gritty vocals are far better showcased in the likes of How Long Can These Streets Be Empty, a powerful and atmospheric track which proves Gold as a recording artist and will see her sitting comfortably amongst her pop peers.
Verdict: 3/5
FemaleFirst Antonia Charlesworth