Review: Arielle – Reel to Real
Arielle Music (July 18th 2024)
Reviewer: Paul Dubbelman
The Eagerly anticipated 10th Album from the “Analog” girl, Arielle is released tomorrow. Harking back to the golden age of rock, this album is a deep dive into the heart of the ‘60s. In order to capture the vibe of that time, ‘Reel to Real‘ was recorded entirely on a 16-track tape machine at Nashville’s iconic Bomb Shelter Studio. A first listen to the album certainly does reward the listener with a trip back to the swinging sixties, particularly “Stray Dog” which feels like authentic 60s pop and ‘Love for Yourself‘ where Arielle’s vocal evokes images of an early Stevie Nicks.
Covering an iconic track like ‘These Boots are made for Walking‘ is a bold move and one that Arielle pulls off very well. Staying largely true to the Nancy Sinatra original but rocked up a bit with a nice and sleazy rhythm to it. ‘Moonchild‘ is a late 60’s inspired bit of psychedelia, (is that a Sitar I hear?) and you can almost smell the joss ticks while listening to the ethereal vocal, A real sit back and chill out track. Two instrumentals on the 8-track album, ‘Bell-Bottoms and Bel-Airs‘ a happy-go-lucky blues shuffle that will have your head cruising a Californian Highway, top down and wind in your hair, and ‘Lava Lamp Love‘ takes you back into that chilled late-60s vibe. ‘Mirror of Life‘ has more of that 60 s Chanteuse feel, but also feels quite up to date as does the first single from the album, ‘Back to Being Bad‘ with its choppy guitar riffs and Hammond touches giving it some colour.
Overall, ‘Reel to Real‘ is an understated album but powerful in its simplicity and accomplished musicality. It is definitely an album that warrants a second, third, and even more listens to pick up on the nuances and clever touches within each song. The Album is available in CD and Vinyl formats from Arielle’s Record Store.
Tracklist:
- Back To Being Bad
- Mirror Of Life
- Bell-Bottoms & Bel Air’s
- Stray Dog
- Lava Lamp Love
- Love For Yourself
- These Boots Are Made For Walkin’
- Moonchild
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