SHELLEY HARLAND – RED LEAF

What part does “place” play in music? That is the location of the writing, playing and recording. A significant one according to Shelley Harland. Harland has an impressive CV of collaborations with the likes of Josh Abraham, John Cale, Guru and Junkie XL; and has lived in the self-proclaimed cultural meccas of London and New York, homes she now shares with Sydney. In her own words; ““The music I made changed when I moved to Australia… My tastes have always been about The Beatles, Motown, The Carpenters, Bjork, Portishead and Fleetwood Mac. But while New York made me feel electric, Sydney was so laid back and beautiful that my music took on that flavour”. There is no doubt that Red Leaf reflects a very cruisey and organic artist; there is not a hint of the New York rush-hour, or London cold-chic. Rather there are large slabs of Tori Amos crossed with a very chilled Stevie Nicks (forget the drama, think the Valium!). It is an album of “beautiful” sounds, sounds designed to cocoon, lull and soften your hard edges. To that end she could do with some of Amos’ spike to enliven proceedings; but it will be Harland’s strength of voice, her silken tones, and her intimate ambience that will be your lasting impression.

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