Hurricane Season
'A Hand Full of Hurricanes' will take you on a journey through tall stretching melodies and mournful, deep ravines with an angelic voice as your guide through the ever-changing world of Rose Kemp.
Setting off this exploration of one of the most talented women working in the UK is 'Little One', a laid back, melodic affair that crackles with power. With the band held at bay, it's the perfect introduction to a voice you will be come very familiar with in the near future.
However, second track and first single to be released off the album, 'Violence', is the highlight of the album. The urgency conveyed and the staggered beginning of the song sets off Kemp's voice a treat. Etheral wails help build the song up slowly and before you know it, you are perched upon the edge of your chair, waiting for the chaotic uprising that is certain to come. The track sees Rose Kemp toy with your emotions as the wave edges closer before breaking half way through the track. Sadly the ending is somewhat of a letdown- something more powerful is needed to mark the end of an otherwise stunning track. Third track 'Tiny Flower' has one hell of an act to follow.
Luckily, the song delivers with the use of loops to bring Kemp's voice into a haunting chorus, driven with a meaty drum. Short, but sweet, the track fades away into 'Morning Music'. Oddly enough, the song has a slight tint of Biffy Clyro in their earlier days about it, nestled amongst the shimmering guitars and inconspicuous bass. The song rises into its conclusion and with it strings appear to give an added depth.
'Dark Corners' is another powerful track despite the anger that curls at the edges of your hearing. You can't help but feel that although Rose Kemp puts on one hell of a show, the true blend of beauty and noise hasn't really been captured on this album. Whilst you can hear the emotions flowing beneath that silken voice, it is almost as though they cannot escape. With so much talent and potential bubbling just out of reach, 'A Hand Full of Hurricanes' is a somewhat disappointing affair.
'Metal Bird' and 'Sister Sleep' follow, with the latter featuring stunning vocal work. Ending the album with 'Sing Our Last Goodbye' is a very wise choice- the track delivers the goods effortlessly and ties in neatly with Rose Kemp's live show, with the song proving to be a jaw-dropping encore. Overall, a fantastic album that your record collection should contain, but one that is let down by the transition from live show to album. That said, keep a watchful eye on Rose Kemp for she is destined for great things.