Josephine Foster - Godmother
by Helen Tipping
published: 18 / 1 / 2022

Label:
Fire Records
Format: CD
intro
Understated but melancholic and wintry nineteenth album from singer-songwriter Josephine Foster
Josephine Foster, who is from Colorado, was initially destined to be an opera singer, before she became inspired by early British Folk music and Americana. She has experimented with various styles, and much of her work is unconventional and experimental, touching on bluegrass and psychedecic rock, as well as poetry set to music. Gliding synth sounds, pared back guitar and haunting vocals provide an air of melancholy on this her 19th album, 'Godmother'. Written and recorded during the first Covid winter, the synth sounds emanate from a Technics keyboard that was found in a second hand shop. First track, 'Hum Menina', utlises sparse instrumentation and detuned guitar, relying on the vocals to hold the song together. 'Guardian Angel', the single release, sounds as if someone is playing the stylophone, although I'm sure it's just one of the more unusual synth sounds available on this slightly less melancholy track. 'Old Teardrop' follows it, and we are plunged once more into sad introspection. It's been hard to escape that feeling over the past months, and this particular track is my favourite on the album. Overall the tracks are understated, with floating harmonies that seem to pair with the wintry landscape around me, and I'm left with an overwhelming feeling of sadness and longing for the coming of summer and a move away from the inescapable uncertainty of these times.
Track Listing:-
1 Hum Menina2 Sparks Fly
3 Guardian Angel
4 Old Teardrop
5 Flask of Wine
6 Gold Entwine
7 Dali Rama
8 Nun of the Above
9 The Sum of Us All
Band Links:-
https://www.facebook.com/JosephineFosterMusichttp://www.josephinefoster.info/
http://www.last.fm/music/Josephine+Foster
Label Links:-
https://twitter.com/firerecordingshttps://www.facebook.com/Firerecords
http://www.firerecords.com/
https://firerecords.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/fire_records/
https://www.youtube.com/user/FirerecordsUK
Play in YouTube:-
Have a Listen:-
digital downloads
bandcamp
soundcloud
reviews |
Faithful Fairy Harmony (2018) |
![]() |
Fascinating and mystical latest album from distinctive-voiced American folk/psych artist Josephine Foster |
I'm a Dreamer (2013) |
Graphic as a Star (2010) |
most viewed articles
current edition
Beth Arzy - InterviewSimon Love - Interview
Rob Pursey - Interview
Stranglers - Rock City, Nottingham, 23/3/2022
Roy Moller - Interview
Tommy Gunnarsson - A Life in Music
St Christopher - Interview
Heist/Idiot Son - (With The Volunteered and Simon Bromide), The Water Rats, London, 10/9/2022
Rupert Wates - Interview
New Leaf - The Year of the Ox
most viewed reviews
current edition
Dave Stewart - Ebony McQueenVarious - Heroes & Villains – The Sound Of Los Angeles 1965-1968,
Josie Bello - Resilience
Smile - A Light for Attracting Attention
Sam Brace - Fever and Bones
Gabi Garbutt and the Illuminations - Cockerel
Simon Love - Love, Sex and Death Etc
Girls At Our Best! - Pleasure
Norah Jones - Come Away With Me: 20th Anniversary Edition
Soft Cell - Happiness Not Included
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Adrian P
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Carl Bookstein
Chris O'Toole
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dixie Ernill
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank