CD Review: Mermaid Kiss, Etarlis
There seem to almost as many British female-fronted progressive bands as there are symphonic metal bands on the continent. I first heard of this band from a discussion on the Mostly Autumn forum, where it was recommended strongly enough that I ordered the album. After a few spins, it turned out to be a very worthwhile purchase indeed.
“Etarlis” is actually Mermaid Kiss’s third album. According to the liner notes, the songs are inspired by a fantasy adventure written over the years by Jamie Field and Evelyn Downing. It’s an epic tale of heroism and war rather than a parochal tale about fights outside the chip shop.
The keyboard-led music is strongly atmospheric and pastoral, with sparing use of lead guitar, significant use of flute, supplemented in places by oboe and cor anglais. The haunting melodies come from two distinctively different lead vocalists; Kate Belcher’s pure tones contrasting with Evelyn Downing’s more expressive style.
The closest musical reference point is probably the original incarnation of Karnataka, indeed Jonathan Edwards, formerly of Karnataka and now The Panic Room makes a guest appearance with a keyboard solo on ‘A Sea Change’. Troy Donockley.adds some uilleann pipes on the same track.
If you’re into celtic/ambient progressive rock with female vocals, you won’t go wrong by getting hold of this album. It’s available from the band’s website, www.mermaidkiss.co.uk.
