Leah - Otherworld EP
Leah – CD Review
Otherworld EP
CD Info
2013
Ex Cathedra Records
5 Tracks
English Lyrics
Leah McHenry opens her new Otherworld EP with sounds of the ocean and rain, on the track “Shores of Your Lies”. Then she unleashes her beautiful voice, singing, “Oh life goes by. Still these cruel winds blow. Eroding my life. Like a whispering ghost. No destination and we’re hollowly following. Shipwrecked on the shores of your lies. All of these voices, tauntingly haunting me. So I’ll hold on to you for dear life”. Yes…an epic opening that provides a dark, foreboding beginning to this short epic introduction to the powerful vocal talents of this Vancouver, BC Canada native. Leah has one of the best voices I have heard this past year. Her voice sounds like Loreena McKennitt or Moya Brennan, only lacking the mystic and Celtic accent. The piano which supports her for the album opener provides warm accompaniment through the storm.
The power continues on “The Northern Edge”, this time with slicing guitar, dreamy keyboard soundscapes and thundering drums as Leah’s echoing voice full of power and soprano notes fills the air. The soft guitar work near the end of the track is amazing.
Otherworld is the second release of this talented singer. Her first album Of Earth & Angels was released in 2012. Accompanying Leah on this new EP are Sean Lang, on drums; Briton Liakakos, on bass; David Hughes, on guitars. Leah complements her singing by also playing the piano, keyboards, synths and VI.
“Surrounded”, opens with some excellent keyboard and synth effects as Leah sings, “Come to the sea, wash the memories of war away. Lay your head down, ease the pain now, even in your dreams. It’s far from over. I can see the storm on the horizon. Like a little child, I weep over you, ‘till you come back to me”. Wow, yes, excellent lyrics supported well with stellar musicianship. One of the best tracks on this EP. The effects that surround you as Leah sings help add to the warm comfort you receive from her vocals.
However, the strongest solo track on the EP is “Do not Stand at My Grave and Weep”. The sweeping Clannad – like presence of this Celtic epic will make you an immediate fan. “I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain”. Yes, set to keyboards, blowing winds and cinematic soundscapes… this one will take your breath away.
“Dreamland” features a duet with Eric Peterson, (Testament/Dragonlord). Leah fills the air with her best, “In this dreamland, no one has to hide. I awaken and you are at my side. Then this warm summer breeze. Comes washing over me. A reverie for eternity...” The story unfolds giving us a glimpse into a hopeful future album full of a strong storyline and epic musicianship.
I’m in. I am already requesting her past album for review. You can call me a fan. That beautiful voice of hers is one of the best I’ve heard in years. A strong epic storyline supporting her would raise her star to the level of some of her peers like Tarja. Leah has the voice that if given the opportunity will melt your heart and satisfy your ears.
Rating: 8 / 10
