On her previous six albums Amy Duncan set a consistently high standard. We know to expect glorious vocals, smart lyrics and first-class musicianship. On latest release, The Hidden World, we have all that and more.
The title track kicks things off and it sets the scene perfectly for the song cycle that follows. There is a distinctly dream like feel to the song as it contemplates the way barriers, put up to protect ourselves, end up restricting our horizons. It’s a constant theme throughout the album, the prescience hard to ignore as we contemplate the current lock-down period and beyond.
Next up is Labyrinth. It’s description of tantalising opportunities, briefly glimpsed and rarely grabbed is totally captivating. It is worth noting that Labyrinth is one of three tracks from the album which have had video releases. Created by animator Tracy Foster they provide a wonderful visual accompaniment to Amy Duncan’s voice.
It would be almost unfair to single out one track as a highlight. Medusa, A Forest and the haunting Butterfly are all songs that will linger long in the mind. The album closer, Make it Good provides a fittingly hopeful finale to what is a decidedly uplifting and beautiful album.
The Hidden World is an album to be listened to from start to finish. There really is no filler here, the synergy of this collection testament to the care that has been taken putting the songs together.
Find out more by visiting amyduncan.co.uk
The Hidden World is available don Bandcamp