Helene Greenwood - Exquisitely Hopeless
by Lisa Torem
published: 22 / 12 / 2016

Label:
Washaway Records
Format: CD
intro
Exquisite and rich second album from Dover-based singer-songwriter, Helene Greenwood
Dover’s Helene Greenwood began writing songs at the age of ten. She gets her inspiration from horror films, literature and nature. Her first album, ‘Collectable You’, was recorded in a week, but in her new album, ‘Exquisitely Hopeless,’ time disappears completely and in a sickeningly fast-paced world what could be more desirable? ‘This is the News Today’ is eerie and ambient but solidly executed with bright piano. “I’m sorry you’re still gone,” she sings repeatedly, like the strains of a guilty conscience. She toys with the phrase like a child with a new yo-yo as the progressions boldly build. Her voice is clear, translucent like a sterling silver spoon striking Bohemian crystal. “Highways zooming past/You can hear it at night,” she purrs on ‘Flat Roof House.’ A slick bass line rises over her narrative, followed by orchestral hits and an intrepid drum. Greenwood’s range stars; she expresses herself in hushed whispers and silky glissandos. The ballad culminates in blinding bleeps and soaring harmonies. ‘Dream Horses’ has an ethereal/ghostly intro. Her soprano is bolstered by repetitive, glassy echoes. There’s a lovely, rubato refrain, where, again, she uses fully her extensive range. The underlying melody also carries a unique timbre. “Can you find what you’re looking for?” she inquires in ‘Crystal Vase.’ The rest of the song luxuriates in fluid imagery, escalating vocals, as the bass erupts in torrid flashes. “In her doll’s house by the sea,” she sings at the beginning of ‘Madame Marina’. The magical fairy tale character, inspired by literature, is supported well by illustrious bass, brass and percussion. The result is an alluring, other-worldly confection with transformative harmonies. Greenwood turns the American classic, ‘Say a Little Prayer,’ penned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David on its backside Anyone familiar with the original will marvel at the ingenuity of this rendition. In ‘Ripples,’ Greenwood trades phrases with a swerving, electronic palette. She’s at once pensive, joyful, effusive and full of yearning. The jazz outro is a breath of fresh air. ‘Travelling Inside and Travelling Out’ is bittersweet and haunting. On ‘To Live in the Moon,’ her enunciation and tenderness is unparalleled. The collection ends with the subtle ‘Chorale.’ Helene Greenwood’s exquisite journey invites more hope than she may have bargained for.
Track Listing:-
1 This Is the News Today2 Flat Roof House
3 Dream Horses
4 Crystal Vase
5 Exquisitely Hopeless
6 Madame marina
7 I Say A Little Prayer
8 Ripples
9 ... Travelling Inside and Travelling Out
10 To Live In The Moon
11 Chorale
Band Links:-
http://www.helenegreenwood.com/https://www.facebook.com/HeleneGreenwoodMusic
https://twitter.com/helenegreenwood
https://www.instagram.com/helenegreenwood/
https://www.youtube.com/user/helenegreenwood
https://plus.google.com/110729827748150428388
soundcloud
most viewed articles
current edition
Peter Doherty - Blackheath Halls, Blackheath and Palace Halls, Watford, 18/3/2025 and 21/3/2025Yardbirds - Interview with Jim McCarty
Armory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Johnny Cash - Video Vault
Max Bianco and the BlueHearts - Troubadour, London, 29/3/2025
John Philip Shenale - Interview
Deb Googe and Cara Tivey - Interview
Man From Delmonte - Interview
Loft - Interview
Vapors - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Bryan Ferry and Amelia Barrett - Loose TalkIvor Game - When Will You Fall Into My Loving Arms?
Gabriel Moreno - Nights in the Belly of Bohemia
Doris Brendel and Lee Dunham - Big Blue Sky
Brooke Combe - Dancing at the Edge of the World
Bryan Adams - Live at the Royal Albert Hall 2024
Shaw's Trailer Park - I Thought I Saw You
Ringo Starr - Look Up
FKA twigs - Eusexua
Leon Bridges - Leon
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