Album Review: Hannah in the Wars

A guitar strums its sparkly harmonic tones to an earnest marching rhythm, and then she sings, and what a voice, very pure and expressive, were talking about Singer Songwriter Hannah Curwood from Central Otago and the opening track, Burning Through the Night from her latest project Hannah and The Wars. The repeated refrains of the chorus grow on you as you can hear and feel her breathing and strength intensify with each heartfelt recurrence, and thus from this introduction you know you’re in for a treat.

Hannah has a very sincere and passionate vocal that is so pure, clean and natural, and in each tuneful song she expresses her words with such tender clarity that it demands your attention, the instrumental parts are full of character too, that conjure up images of space and earth. The music is a wonderful mix of modern rhythmic folk with electric guitar, piano and occasion string arrangements. The songs themes are thoughtful and deep, and match Hannah’s smooth tones brilliantly. The melodies and harmonies through the album are a delight to the ears, best showcased in the charming Like a Stone and the broad Dark Summer Dawn.

Hannah In The Wars is an album that takes you on a wonderful journey, with music that stimulates you with deep feelings and soaring atmospheres, the beautiful tender melodies are an experience that your ears deserve, so if you haven’t already guessed, I thoroughly recommend it.