William Dart checks out the recordings of London Grammar, who've cemented a critical reputation and a loyal fan base with just three albums in eight years. They are blessed to have a vocalist, Hannah Reid, with one of the most haunting voices to have emerged for years.
London Grammar, Californian Soil cover image Photo: Metal & Dust Recordings
William Dart: "Back in 2013, I went through a period of re-immersing myself in some of the British folk-rock bands that had fueled my twenties.
"And listening to Hannah Reid at that time, I felt that there was something in the quality of her voice and singing that made me think of the likes of Sandy Denny of Fairport Convention, Maddy Prior of Steeleye Span and even Carole Pegg of Mr Fox. Even if Sam Wolfson in The Guardian at the time described her rather differently — as having a chilling soprano with the yearning of Joni Mitchell, the minor tones of Regina Spektor — whatever that means — and the enunciation of a public-school teacher.
"Whatever, there was an intensity, an emotional honesty and an unquivering aim to these vocals that went straight to the solar plexus."
William presents songs from the group's three albums: If You Wait (2013), Truth is a Beautiful Thing (2017), and the recent Californian Soil.
London Grammar Photo: Supplied
Music Details
'Song title' (Composer) – Performers
Album title
(Label)
'Hey Now' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
If You Wait
(Metal & Dust)
'Wasting My Young Years' (Reid) – London Grammar
If You Wait
(Metal & Dust)
'Strong' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
If You Wait
(Metal & Dust)
'Rooting for You' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Truth Is a Beautiful Thing
(Metal & Dust)
'Rooting for You (Demo)' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Truth Is a Beautiful Thing
(Metal & Dust)
'Intro' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Californian Soil
(Metal & Dust)
'Californian Soil' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Californian Soil
(Metal & Dust)
'America' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Californian Soil
(Metal & Dust)
'Talking' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Californian Soil
(Metal & Dust)
'Lord It's a Feeling' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Californian Soil
(Metal & Dust)
'I Need the Night' (Reid et al) – London Grammar
Californian Soil
(Metal & Dust)
