![Review: Josephine - Portrait [Album]](http://hangout.altsounds.com/geek/gars/images/2/6/3/2/9/2josephine.jpg)
![Review: Josephine - Portrait [Album]](http://hangout.altsounds.com/altthumb.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fhangout.altsounds.com%2Fgeek%2Fgars%2Fimages%2F2%2F6%2F3%2F2%2F9%2F2josephine.jpg&w=500&h=500&zc=1&q=70){kind=small}
Spread the Social Love:
Beautiful, soulful and haunting, the debut album from Manchester songstress Josephine is so exceptional it's reduced me to describing it in the most cliched, hackneyed terms possible. With Portrait, Josephine has created an album steeped in subtlety, rich imagery and quiet elegance all too lacking in modern music.
The singer has been doing the rounds for a few years now, but Portrait is her first official release. Josephine's time playing around Manchester and supporting acts like Jimmy Cliff have certainly honed her skills and gifted her with the gravelly tone that runs through this album. It's no surprise that Josephine has already shared the stage with other soul new-comer Michael Kiwanuka, the two still hold an endearing modesty about them, reflected in the quiet confidence of their voice and storytelling abilities.
Highlights of the album are too frequent to fit them all in, but best tracks would have to include 'When We Were Trespassers', the intro track sets the tone well, Josephine's somber but smooth voice soaring over the accordion piano melody. 'The Last Minute' kicks a faster beat into the albums heart as a gospel folk hybrid and the albums title track 'Portrait' is a surprisingly raw study of self-identity in a world of detachment.
To call her the next Winehouse would be too simplistic, she does share several attributes, a stellar supporting ensemble, an incredibly deep and sombre voice and an obvious passion for her music. Portrait bares a strong resemblance to some of Florence and the Machine's work, particularly 'What a Day' thanks to its female backing and Josephine's wavering vocals, but thankfully she eschews the arty bollocks that makes you feel like a pretentious arty prick for listening to F.A.T.M. There's hints of pop, folk and jazz in here but this is a soul record deep at heart, with Josephine's eclectic musical influences proving a perfect canvas for her musings and candid self-reflections.
Portrait is an outstanding debut, confident but still tinged with a captivating reserve. If there's any justice in the world this album will propel Josephine into the spotlight, but in the meantime just enjoy what could be the album of the year.
Portrait is out October 8th Rubyworks / Ark Recordings.
To find out more visit her Facebook here.
The singer has been doing the rounds for a few years now, but Portrait is her first official release. Josephine's time playing around Manchester and supporting acts like Jimmy Cliff have certainly honed her skills and gifted her with the gravelly tone that runs through this album. It's no surprise that Josephine has already shared the stage with other soul new-comer Michael Kiwanuka, the two still hold an endearing modesty about them, reflected in the quiet confidence of their voice and storytelling abilities.
WATCH // Josephine - 'Portrait' (Live)
Highlights of the album are too frequent to fit them all in, but best tracks would have to include 'When We Were Trespassers', the intro track sets the tone well, Josephine's somber but smooth voice soaring over the accordion piano melody. 'The Last Minute' kicks a faster beat into the albums heart as a gospel folk hybrid and the albums title track 'Portrait' is a surprisingly raw study of self-identity in a world of detachment.
To call her the next Winehouse would be too simplistic, she does share several attributes, a stellar supporting ensemble, an incredibly deep and sombre voice and an obvious passion for her music. Portrait bares a strong resemblance to some of Florence and the Machine's work, particularly 'What a Day' thanks to its female backing and Josephine's wavering vocals, but thankfully she eschews the arty bollocks that makes you feel like a pretentious arty prick for listening to F.A.T.M. There's hints of pop, folk and jazz in here but this is a soul record deep at heart, with Josephine's eclectic musical influences proving a perfect canvas for her musings and candid self-reflections.
WATCH // Josephine - 'What a Day'
Portrait is an outstanding debut, confident but still tinged with a captivating reserve. If there's any justice in the world this album will propel Josephine into the spotlight, but in the meantime just enjoy what could be the album of the year.
Portrait is out October 8th Rubyworks / Ark Recordings.
To find out more visit her Facebook here.
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