London and Norfolk based artist Paula Wolfe has returned with her new album ‘White Dots’. Written, arranged, engineered, produced and mixed by Wolfe and it’s out now on SIB Records.
‘White Dots’ delivers an array of storytelling, often character driven and sometimes, achingly personal. ‘Cherrington Road’, is based one of Wolfe’s earliest memories. The sweetness and innocence of her 3-year-old self singing in the garden of a family home will melt the blackest of hearts.
On ‘Bonnie’, Wolfe opens up about trying to move on from a relationship. Not just any the relationship, but “the one”. The one which everyone else is unfairly judged by. The one that raises you up and hinders you simultaneously. The simplicity and the honesty of Wolfe’s vocals and the subtle orchestration is a glorious dichotomy of elation and sadness.
It’s not always personal, ‘Caravan Man’ is a fictional account of a man Wolfe saw on French campsite. Her ability to jump into the world of someone else is effortless and no less interesting. The intrigue on Wolfe’s vocal “Caravan man, who are you waiting for / what are you waiting for” is as powerful las the Death Star tractor beam. Then, when her Kate Bush-esque vocals soar alongside the organs, a wholesomeness and realness akin to The Kinks’ ‘Muswell Hillbillies’ album.
Former single ‘Georgia Blue’, details the life of a cross dressing train driver. The hallmarks of The Jam’s ‘That’s Entertainment’ circulate as Wolfe portrays a modern day outcast with great affection and warmth.
This is a fantasy album. It’s a what if the spirit Lily Allen and Laura Marling merged with the great characters of Ray Davies’ song writing and is sung by Kate Bush and Carole King. Layered with such vivid characters and enriching landscapes, Wolfe has provided an album that keeps on giving.
