Rosalie Cunningham’s latest album, To Shoot Another Day marks her first project recorded in her home studio, blending both analogue and digital techniques. The anticipation is palpable as we dive into her third solo album. This record, reminiscent of a Bond theme, delivers with its dramatic chorus and compelling narrative. While a genuine Bond theme might feature more strings, this album hits all the right notes, rooted in late ’60s and early ’70s psychedelia yet maintaining a contemporary feel. The opening track captivates from the start, though a full orchestral version would be intriguing.
Timothy Martin’s Conditioning Stool, with its satirical edge, seems to channel an Austin Powers vibe, bringing a smile. The song appears to be a commentary on cheap beer, meals, and an isolationist propaganda. The clever lyrics and entertaining tune paint a vivid picture of a character best avoided, even when he’s inhabiting the next barber’s chair and there seems to be no escape.
Heavy Pencil, with its rich shading over six and a half minutes, evokes the rhythm of Ocean Colour Scene. Rosalie’s vocals enter around the one-minute mark, and one could imagine Paloma Faith tackling this track. The superb drumming by Raphael Mura makes it a standout, and it quickly became a favourite on repeat listens.
The album’s variety is showcased in tracks like Good To Be Damned, reminiscent of Chris De Burgh’s Spanish Train & Other Stories. In contrast In The Shade Of The Shadows offers a bluesy, beautifully executed piece that expands Rosalie’s artistic range. Mention here for Ian East’s fantastic saxophone solo. Her upcoming UK and European tour dates promise a live experience that enhances the album’s richness.
The instrumental The Smut Peddler transitions whimsically into Denim Eyes, possibly about a blue-eyed hound 😉 complete with a few barks. Spook Racket is a rhythmic rock ‘n’ roll number that brings to mind Suzi Quatro, with its engaging bass and guitar.
Stepped Out Of Time, the album’s ballad, is the penultimate track on vinyl and provides a serene moment before the final track, The Premiere, with its Latin flavours concludes in excellent style.
The album is available in three formats: Download, CD and Vinyl options. The vinyl’s warmer tones and readable lyric sheet make it a tempting choice, however there are two bonus tracks on the CD version. Capturing more fun the folky, rocking Return Of The Ellington features Claudia Gonzalez Diaz on flute and Fairport’s Ric Sanders of fiddle…
That leaves Home with it’s flamboyant Freddie Mercury/Queen flavourings to close out this rather special journey.
Rosalie Cunningham’s unique style and inspirational material make this album a must-buy. You won’t be disappointed.
TRACK LISTING
01. To Shoot Another Day (5:02)
02. Timothy Martin’s Conditioning School (2:43)
03. Heavy Pencil (6:30)
04. Good To Be Damned (4:52)
05. In The Shade Of The Shadows (5:19)
06. The Smut Peddler (1:45)
07. Denim Eyes (5:06)
08. Spook Racket (5:11)
09. Stepped Out Of Time (3:46)
10. The Premiere (5:01)
~ CD bonus tracks
11. Return Of Ellington (4:31)
12. Home (3:45)
Total Time – 51:20
MUSICIANS
Rosalie Cunningham – Vocals, Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Hammond Organ, Percussion
~ With:
Raphael Mura – Drums
David Woodcock – Piano (1,4,5,7 & 9), Hammond Organ (4)
Ian East – Flute, Saxophone, Clarinet (5)
Itamar Rubringer – Drums (1)
Barkley Woodcock – Bark (7)
Ric Sanders – Violin (11)
Claudia Gonzalez Diaz – Flute (11)
Rosco Wilson – Guitar, Drums (11)
ADDITIONAL INFO
Record Label: Esoteric Antenna | Cherry Red Records
Country of Origin: U.K.
Date of Release: 1st November 2024
LINKS
Rosalie Cunningham – Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube | Instagram