Grief can cripple the toughest. Coping with the loss of a beloved partner, particularly if it happens unexpectedly, can leave the one left behind struggling to make sense of it all. However, Angie McLaughlin, once of much-loved Dublin roots band the Sick and Indigent Song Club, has managed to channel the loss of her partner into an admirable and moving song cycle that balances hope with despair and underlines the healing power of music.
Well versed in American roots music culture, McLaughlin moves easily and confidently between strains of old time, folk, blues, soul and gospel. Her voice is rich and warm and, understandably, filled with emotion.
The opening gospel-infused Every Day epitomises the singer’s journey: “Every day someone believes in me/helps me to regain my dignity... Every day it gets easier to see/that I’m part of something bigger than me”.
She is well served by producer Martin Stephenson (of the Daintees fame) who creates a sense of continuity and craft on the 10 tracks.
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The playing is first-class, leaving McLaughlin, in refusing to succumb to unmitigated gloom, to find solace and even joy on tracks such as Nobody’s Baby, Speak Easy and In Between Times.
And when the tears flow, Called to Your Home, My Broken Heart and, especially, Two Ravens, remain both dignified and touching.
