Halflight - Subside (EP/My First Records) By Steve Rudd

Packed with the endearing purity of The Corrs' music, Half-Light's musings are poetic, mature and utterly captivating throughout these four tracks. Front woman Sarah Howells has long been renowned for her quality, truthfully extraordinary singing voice (having been the singer for Jylt prior to this endeavour).

Sounding all sweet and innocent, Sarah shares much in common with Lisa Loeb's sultry style, as opening tune Where The Pins Drop sets a genuinely touching emotional benchmark, with the special guest drummer (from Welsh band The Crimea) in Owen Hopkin keeping the beat perfectly. Mid-EP tracks Treading Water and Six Four are far more downbeat and introspective affairs of the heart but no less affecting, the first of the two songs being an old Jylt number in which Sarah's exceptional heart-twanging voice reminds of York singer-songwriter Hayley Hutchinson's with relish, as subtly melodic guitar work from Richard Llewellyn adds texture to such vocals in good taste.

The delicacy of final track Photos is as fragile as an angel with broken wings, and if Sarah hasn't by this time pretty much convinced the listener that she is in fact a fallen angel herself, it's unlikely that she ever will. I need some poison to help me sleep she croons in all seriousness.

Still, despite Half Light's fondness for wallowing in melancholic realms, the music involved - and that is fleshed out yet further by Emma Bryden's talents on her cello - is wondrous and intoxicating in a most refreshing and life-enhancing way. So step out of the darkness and lend the band an ear. 4/5 www.halflight.info E-mail for more info... halflightmusic@hotmail.com

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