New Red Dress
So Helen Boulding comes from Steel city Sheffield, writes off Jennifer Lopez film titles for her own record label “Maid In Sheffield” and delivers “New Red Dress” in perfect Australian/ country vocal style. Lost? I thought you would be.
Released on the 11th February, this debut album from the Northern lass is set to rock the socks off Radio two DJ’s and stick two fingers up to anybody who said Katie Melua is the only raw British female singer songwriter talent we possess. But obviously she wouldn’t do the whole two finger thing because somebody who can record music like the such I’m listening to whilst cleaning my room isn’t gonna go around finger throwing anytime soon.
Although most definitely stepping into Delta Goodrem territory at times (especially on tracks “I always look this blue”, and “IDKWIN”- look out for holding of notes in an Australian twang), Boulding manages to avoid a simple pop release and create a sexy, sassy skimpy new red dress tracklisting.
Copenhagen, released the 4th February, isn’t the song I would have chosen to release, and more upbeat tracks such as “What a fool” sell her talents better- even if it could easily be played to a line dancing routine. Yet, for what it is trying to be, New Red Dress is a really good album- Helen Boulding took the advice of close music contact Imogen Heap and set up her own local record label, personalising the CD and everything about it.
Time well spent this project, as it’s an uplifting, pleasant long cruise recording. It’s not gonna break any records (it’s not that good), but it’s definitely gonna break some grudges. One for the CD collection please.