Galli - In The Roundhouse There's Hornets

This eagerly-awaited debut EP from Norwich's Galli surely confirms them as one of the most innovative and original acts to emerge in 2019. Consisting of Ash Woolnough (Hank, Solko) on bass, Georgia King (The Piratones) on vocals and guitar, and Alex Elliott (Organisms) on drums, together this trio conjure an almost transcendental fusion of folk rock, jazz and soul. King's distinctive vocals remind me of contemporary French musician Émilie Simon, who in turn was oft compared to both Kate Bush and Björk.
 
'Sabika' (a girl's name of Indian origin meaning 'piece of pure gold') is the opening track, and commences with delicate guitar played over sparse but insistent drumming. Georgia's voice writhes, twists and turns, concocting a portentous tone of apprehension and fear. 'If you come to me tonight, will you be kind?', she pleads in this beautiful yet disturbing story of sleep paralysis. Meanwhile, 'Whittle Away' sharpens a willow stave in a tale of trouble stirring, with its Paul Giovanni-like melody and jazz embellishment reaching a dramatic conclusion. It also features the lyric line from which this EP takes its name. 'Chrysalis' assumes further natural guise, reflecting laconically upon themes of metamorphosis and change. And finally, 'All I Need' delivers an epic and impassioned conclusion to this impressive debut collection. Recorded and mixed by Mikey Shaw at The Crunch, 'In The Roundhouse There's Hornets' is one of my favourite releases of 2019.
 
9/10