Miranda Lee Richards

Being taught to play guitar by Kirk Hammet, playing in The Brian Jonestown Massacre and growing up in San Francisco surrounded by that city’s unique culture is going to leave a mark. And it has, to a certain extent, on Miranda Lee Richards.

Echoes of Dreamtime is a contemplative collection of songs that stem from San Francisco's folk and psychedelic past, but also very much of the here and now. Opener 7th Ray is a bit of plodder on first hearing but repeated listens reveal real depth. And that’s the case with many of the songs here: they are lengthy and take of patience. That’s not to say it’s all deep and meditative; Tokyo Dancing is as catchy a song as you are going to hear.

The album is full of choice take First Light of Winter with its central ambulatory riff at the core, though stemming from that are some gorgeous melodies and supple guitarwork. Julian’s indian flavours are a gentle change in tack that sit nicely within.

The mystical Country of It Was Given is the longest track and is an exquisite piece of music gently folding together the instruments and harmonies. And, as throughout, Miranda Lee Richards’s perfectly judged vocals.

This is a quite beautiful album, on a technical level the performances, production and sequencing are excellent. But what this is, and most importantly, is a wonderful, musical experience that lingers long in the memory whilst also offering up something new with every listen.