Release Date:  Out Now

Released On:   Shilling Boy



Madam used to be an actress.  The former Sukie Smith briefly played Bradley’s mother in Eastenders.  Now she makes gothic folk-pop.  As career changes go, it’s a drastic one – it’s difficult to imagine Barbara Windsor doing the same anytime soon.

Gone Before Morning is Madam’s second album, getting a second release after a limited run in 2009.  From the off, two sides to her musical personality are evident.  Opening track You Lead I Follow is lullaby-pretty, with gentle twanging guitar and plucked strings; it is followed by the sinister The Ground Will Claim You, all ominous lyrics and sawing cello.  Both are equally successful.

It isn’t just Smith’s own compositions which show promise.  Two covers are given arrangements which are unrecognisable from the originals, and brilliantly so.  A version of Al Wilson’s Northern Soul hit The Snake becomes a murky blues number, while If You’re Looking For A Way Out, originally by 70s disco/soul outfit Odyssey, is transformed into a charming folk hymn.

Of course, it isn’t perfect: the album suffers from lumbering pace, and certain songs are not just gentle but dull.  But the flaws are minor, and Gone Before Morning is largely pretty great.  For Smith, the transition from soap-star to folk chanteuse is looking like a smart move.  And anyway: rather her than Patsy Palmer.

7/10

Posted In Album Reviews, May 17 2011. Words - Adam Kay