Three years in the making, Carmody releases her debut album, Imperfect Constellations
Carmody image via Andrew Cotterill
Magically cosmic in her approach, Carmody takes us on an adventure that is at times angelic as she blurs her seductive brand of music into a captivating creation.
Produced by: Carmody, Avi Barath, Calum Duncan, and Rahm Silverglade
From her earliest recordings in 2014, English singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Carmody has always stood out. Driven by the folk sensibilities of Joni Mitchell and the mystique of Nick Drake, Carmody has built quite a following since 2014. Seventy million streams later and headlining sold-out shows, the London-based musician has attracted features from Clash, The Line of Best Fit, and more.
If you have been a fan of Carmody, you will recognize Constellation A, Constellation B, and Constellation C from her debut album. These are the three 3-pack singles that were released over the past two years. Today the final piece will combine with those Constellations to form the complete proper album.
Here is her thought process regarding the release cycle of the album:
“To reflect these different phases, Imperfect Constellations is split into four main parts, ebbing and flowing into one another as they tell the story of Carmody’s community while also leaving plenty of room for the listeners’ own interpretation.”
Three years in the making, the 12-track affair follows her previous five EPs (four solo and one collaborative EP with Tom Misch). The highly collaborative record further solidifies her musical relationship with Tom Misch whom she has been collaborating since the beginning of her career. Other standout collaborators include Alfa Mist, Conor Albert, and Laura Misch. Make no mistake, though — the main attraction is Carmody’s voice. And quite a voice it is.
Throughout the album, the subtle rhythm section and supporting instrumentation permits Carmody’s voice to rise above. Her timely pauses, her intonation, and the way she uses her breath are stunning. Her voice is unmistakable, distinct, and the first thing you notice. Sonically laid-back yet pop-forward, the collection invokes a sense that she is singing directly to the listener.
Carmody describes her state of being and what she learned while creating of the album:
“I guess with this record, I’m realising that I do feel like a spiritual person,” says Carmody. “I once heard Florence Welch say that songs for her are like prophecies, and it’s always stuck with me. It’s like a gift; it tells you something that your body has been trying to tell you for a long time, and when it comes out, you know about it. This album is really teaching me something about where I’m at and where I want to be.”
In retrospect, with all the chaos of this ever-changing world, Carmody has presented us with a 45-minute, breathtaking escape grounded in reality while also seductively exploring a world amongst the stars.
Imperfect Constellations is out 6th July via Young Poet.
Standout Songs: Moon, Yosef, Morning, Still, Well (feat. Tom Misch)
7.8
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