Caroline Cotter Home On The River CarolineCotter.com
Bridging the English folk music tradition with a contemporary Americana perspective, Caroline Cotter’s album, Home On the River, is a delightful surprise.
Blessed with a beautiful ‘honeyed soprano’ voice, Cotter is a world traveller finding inspiration for her songs close to home. Backed by Danish band The Sentimentals (last heard backing Ana Egge) on half the numbers, Cotter has crafted an engaging, compact set of songs searching for truth and comfort.
Notably, the lead song “Peace of Mind” opens with a declaration of “I don’t want to keep up with fashion, I don’t want to pick a fight. I don’t want to say I love you, just to make this feel alright. I don’t want to make a buck, just to spend it to feel fine.” No, she isn’t one for the superficial and artificial. This country-folk song continues with a challenge to set aside our preoccupation with all that is negative in this world—and there is no shortage of that, certainly—and seek something closer to, perhaps, an inner peace.
Having recorded several albums while exploring the world, Cotter’s perspective is informed. She understands what is important to her, and is confident in her vision. There is an appealing assuredness in her writing and singing.
The title track, seemingly inspired by a foundation of love and acceptance, and “1 4 3” (‘I Love You’) are comfortable, warm, and inspiring visions of family legacy. Elsewhere, darkness creeps into “Hey Mama” and “Can’t Stop the Waves,” but they also contain comfort. Not so “My Washroom” which is troubling and stark. Reminiscent of Meg Hutchinson in mood and tone, Cotter’s songs are obviously personal with nothing contrived: she reveals herself throughout the album. “I don’t tell lies,” she sings within “Eternal Light,” and this honesty is apparent and appreciated.
Musically, the album is relatively unadorned. No one goes off with extended solos or breaks, and the collective of musicians provide Cotter with exactly the support her gentle songs require.
Listen to Caroline Cotter’s Home On the River and let its songs take you away to a better place.
Fervor Coulee- roots music opinion 