Emma Stevens - Riptide
by Lisa Torem
published: 31 / 10 / 2013

Label:
Rising Tide Music
Format: CDS
intro
Sparkling and optimistic new single from British singer-songwriter, Emma Stevens
British singer-songwriter Emma Stevens has a wonderful, fresh and evocative voice and an impeccable flair for arranging that’s impossible to dismiss even after hearing just one song. That song ‘Riptide’ is her new single on her EP 'Sunflower', which is one of four EPs, which will be released before her debut album 'Enchantment' becomes available. Stevens began her musical career at three after receiving her first guitar from her musical mum. Along the way she developed an attraction to a multitude of other instruments including cello, ukulele and mandolin. Also intrigued by poetry, she spent many hours alone in her room using both of her passions to craft contagious songs. After studying at Academy of Contemporary Music, she played locally and then garnered a host of international touring dates with the Kooks and Mona Feeder. After being discovered by manager, Bob James, she drew attention from BBC and ITV. Emma’s mum, a talented artist, created the EP covers, which when put together form a larger, beautiful painting. Sadly, Emma lost her mum to cancer, but her lovely designs add a great deal of beauty and warmth to her projects. Emma’s philosophy defines her well: "Musically, artistically, be you – regardless of what people think." ‘Riptide’ reflects her uniqueness. The song boasts optimistic and romantic feelings: "When you touch me, when you hold me, I don’t care/I’m in too deep…” She also expresses an element of surprise: “Underneath the waves, hold on tight/Is this the start of something?’ The sparkling harmonies, super-twangy guitar and sophisticated structure make the song sound more and more exciting after each listen, and, yet with all that is going on, the rendering is honest and genuine; the unexpected guitar-driven outro leads to an explicit “aha” moment. With a vibrant recording future ahead and an upcoming UK tour, ‘Riptide’ pulls us under Emma Stevens' spell.
Track Listing:-
1 Riptide2 Sunflower
3 Lazy
4 It's Obvious
Band Links:-
http://emmastevensmusic.com/https://twitter.com/estevensmusic
https://www.facebook.com/estevensmusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/estevensmusic
https://instagram.com/estevensmusic/
http://emmastevensmusic.tumblr.com/
soundcloud
reviews |
Enchanted (2014) |
![]() |
Uplifting debut album from much acclaimed singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Emma Stevens |
most viewed articles
current edition
Pennyblackmusic - Writers and Photographers' Albums of the Year 2024Peter Perrett - In Dreams Begin Responsibilities Interview Part One
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Clive Langer - Interview
Pennyblackmusic - Book of the Year Award 2024
Johnnie Johnstone - Interview
Marianne Faithfull - Reflections
Laura Nyro - Profile
Johny Brown - Corpse Flower
Vinyl Stories - Vinyl 2024
most viewed reviews
current edition
Dorie Jackson - Stupid Says RunRingo Starr - Look Up
Beabadoobee - This is How The World Moves
Pixie Lott - Encino
Dusty Springfield - The BBC Sessions
Unthanks - In Winter
Joan Armatrading - How Did This Happen and What Does It Mean?
Rosie Lowe - Lover, Other
Oïmiakon - Comptoir Des Vanites
Emily Burns - Die Happy
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart