CD review: Humour and the Misfortune of Others - Hollie Smith

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Hollie Smith fully understands the weight of expectation.

After stints singing with Fat Freddy's Drop and the release of Bathe in the River, her debut attracted an offer from Blue Note, the godfather of jazz labels.

Smith packed her bags and headed to the United States.

Unfortunately there was no fairytale ending and Smith is back in New Zealand, broke and about to tour her latest album.

There's no denying Smith has a good voice, especially suited to those smouldering R&B moments, as on the opening Mama and the gentle soul of Vs 19:19, with its horn section adding extra bite.

Her debut Long Player was let down by songs tending to roll into each other, with a sense of sameness.

However, the slick production here by Riki Gooch, combined with the intuitive rhythm section of Darren Mathiassen (drums) and Creete Haami (bass) change the overall dynamics.

There's certainly a large market for what Smith does but for me there's still too much pain trying to be conveyed in overwrought ballads like Humour and Finding Home.

When she changes tack, as on the rocky gospel of Let Me Go, she shows she's capable of much more.

(EMI)

- © Fairfax NZ News

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mike   #2   01:15 pm Mar 26 2010

I agree with #1, a good honest review.... this is how i have felt about her tunes for a long time.... a bit drab and painful at times.

Mat   #1   11:03 am Mar 22 2010

Fair call i say

Nice to see abit of honesty in the review and not the usual kiwi "warm fluffys" and this is amazing etc