The title track is buried in the middle of Zoe Unsworth’s EP. But the artists it quotes are worth starting with to understand where ‘Old Time Soul’ sits. Dolly and Elvis may be two of the most obvious choices when it comes to country music, but their ability to cross-pollinate is Zoe Unsworth’s forte. Here are five tracks that span the decades, combining traditional sounds with elements of pop, and throwing in a bit of Billy Joel piano for good measure. Comparisons with Ella Langley are inevitable in the current climate, but the lyrical playfulness alongside genre-blending compositions are, in this instance, warranted. ‘Tell Tale’ and ‘Bless Your Heart’ are, in particular, full of clever lines to upend the two-timing guy and hateful antagoniser. Both utilise the fiddle and pedal steel to beautiful effect – the former tinged with regret while the latter laced with ironic truth. Meanwhile, opening track ‘Solo’ reveals her vulnerable side, with a compelling honesty wrapped in a gorgeous americana arrangement. And ‘Daisy’ loses the listener in a sprinkling of magical notes that weave together loss and acceptance. It is one of five stories here that reflect Zoe Unsworth’s ability to translate her upbringing listening to country music into playing and performing it. She does so with understated confidence. ‘Old Time Soul’ is a fantastic debut for this Manchester singer-songwriter.
You can listen to ‘Old Time Soul’ now wherever you get your music.
Featured Image (C) Zoe Unsworth
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