Album Review

Nervous Doll Dancing is a new name to me, which came as a surprise. I consider myself to have an above average knowledge of kiwi musicians and I’m always a little taken back when I haven’t heard of someone who is this talented before. So I’ll give you some background information before I get into the album. 

Nervous Doll Dancing is a solo project by classically trained cellist Francesca Mountfort that started in Wellington back in 2002. In 2003 she won the NZ Fringe Award for Best in Music with an eclectic and diverse show that incorporated shadow puppetry, film and dance to her original live music. In 2008 Mountfort collaborating with projectionist Tom Hume and puppeteer Marisa Fior for a new show taking its title from the album release ‘Aphelion’, once again winning the NZ Fringe Award for Best in Music at the 2010 festival. 

The latest album and show entitled ‘Eidolon’ is currently touring throughout Canada and Europe after picking up her third Best in Music award at the 2012 New Zealand Fringe Festival. 

Eidolon is a beautiful and charming fuse of classical, experimental music that takes you through a colourful and vibrant journey which made it a truly delightful listening experience. This album was a new encounter for me but it is definitely worth the listen.