Rosie H Sullivan - “Chapters”
From the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, Rosie H Sullivan returns to the blog with “Chapters,” a heartfelt, folksy tune that urges all who hear to celebrate “the ups and downs in our lives as well the simple things we shouldn’t take for granted.”
Pressing play on “Chapters” reminds us of why we fell in love with Sullivan’s sound in the first place. It boasts a superb acoustic guitar tone, which is not incredibly easy to capture, and the initial strums enter your ears as though it’s being performed right in front of you– one of our favorite things about stripped-back music. Of course, the full band soon arrives, bringing a sweet, down-home vintage vibe to the production as it carves a path for Sullivan’s voice.
The vocals appear, melodic and emotive as they provide a vehicle for Sullivan’s storytelling. She glides through the melody as though she was born singing this song and we have absolutely no trouble believing every word. On the refrain, she has doubled her performance, bringing a dreamy and hypnotic treat to all who hear, especially if you’re using headphones, allowing her voice to completely saturate the sonic space.
The song is not without its share of ear candy, as you will experience through its moments of vocal harmonies and horns, but nothing will prepare you for the fabulous middle eight. It is here where Sullivan’s craft truly shines, delivering a most triumphant dynamic shift that is bound to captivate anyone within earshot. It wonderfully crescendos before falling away to reveal more of that exquisite acoustic guitar, ultimately climaxing with a final refrain.
We’re all hoping that “Chapters” is indicative that Sullivan has another album on the way, but only time will tell. In the meantime, be sure to get this folksy feel-good jaunt into your ears.
-HD