ALBUM REVIEW: Blackbox Memories, Ophelia, Troubadour Songs, Out Now

Samuel Taylor and Rebecca Van Cleave, the now husband and wife duo (after their wedding in Saturday) who make up Ophelia, have pulled off a major coup with debut album Blackbox Memories.

The Sheffield-based couple take 13 tracks to present a unique and refreshing sound that ranges from Americana and bluegrass to folk-rock and edgy pop.

It all starts off with opening track "Let Love Ride In" where Taylor's vocals managed to blend Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits) and Chris Rea with Billy Idol and Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue).

For the rest of the album, Taylor and Van Cleave take it in turns to provide lead vocals, with "From The Ashes", "A Little Too Late" and "Underneath the Pines" all giving Rebecca free rein to expose a voice that has a striking resemblance to Sharleen Spiteri of Texas fame.

But it is the fusion of Deep South instrumentation and lyrics full of the experiences of life as touring singers that stand out most, most notably on "If You Could Read My Mind" and the country ballad "I Just Want To Let You Know" which brings the album to an end.

Before that though is the most intriguing song on the entire album, "The Artist", written by Van Cleave's father Chris and originally sung by American Laura Brannigan.

The song is transformed by Ophelia into a bedtime lullaby, but with sinister undertones, that would be appropriate for Pennywise (the clown from Stephen King's novel It) or even Roald Dahl's mysterious chocolate maker Willy Wonka.

With the anthemic "Whip of the Wheel", Bob Dylan-esque "I Can See Your Heart" and the addictive "Bittersweet" on the album as well, Ophelia have served up a debut album that simply bristles with originality, versatility and credibility.

This reviewer simply cannot wait for Ophelia's second album.

Winston Brown