Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
In times of uncertainty, life and Time insist we take risks. To conquer our fears, to see beyond the myriad of colours, reflected shapes and the continuous mirrors that are designed to confuse and complicate, as well as be seen as a beautiful diversion, is what we owe ourselves when the wrath of mother nature and historical events collide.
We don’t always understand the message that the Kaleidoscope is showing us, for some it is a simple as being enamoured by the design, by apparent magic, and yet there are those hardy souls to whom the world reveals all, those we look to perhaps to give us a sign, a clue, a significant piece of undoubtable evidence, that we too can see the truth in how the Kaleidoscope works.
Taking a chance need not be one shrouded in menace, nor giving way to trepidation, but the acknowledgement of anxiety in producing something new is to be admired, and for the exceptional Hilary Scott, her latest E.P. is one in which the combination of her vision, working alongside one of the finest producers around, the ability to push beyond one’s comfort zone is of paramount success and a realisation that there are no boundaries in any artistic pursuit.
Produced by Matthew Wilder, who also provides backing vocals and guitar, keys, and drum programming, and with superb performances by John Goodwin, Gary Lunn, Jerry Kimbrough and Lonnie Wilson all adding a sense of security to the enormous, but truly satisfying risk that Ms. Scott has undertaken in the five strong songs that make up the innovative E.P.; the music is one to be surprised pleasantly by, but also respond to in the greeting that the listener would appreciate of any of Ms. Scott’s recording, unflappable, courageous, enlightening, and purring with sentiment and value.
The songs, Just A Shame, Almost Home, Too Much Is Not Enough, And Just, and the exceptional Free Country, may be from a different time, but they exemplify the way we must see the world post pandemic, the structure of society must change alter itself to allow the freedom of the individual to experience the new without the fear of ridicule; after all, a Kaleidoscope is more than just mirrored patterns and confused beautiful images, it is the nature of life to find balance and structure in the chaos of every turn.
A set of songs that are pleasing, controlled and adventurous, Hilary Scott has offered another side to the tale of her life, and it is bountiful.
Ian D. Hall