The face of Leeds’ up and coming folk music scene, Rhiannon Hope, is back with a new single, showcasing everything made clear by her debut EP ‘All Things, Rising And Returning’. Characterised by alluring production and gentle vocals, this track is a beautiful homage to all the things that make us human. 

Opening the track is a haunting piano melody, one which acts as an entrance to the atmospheric world of Hope’s music. Right away, the song’s message becomes crystal clear. With touching lyrics such as ‘Everyday, I see my handwriting resemble my mother’s/With every dotted I and every crossed T there she is’, what it means to be human is brought to the forefront. We are all a mosaic of those we love and cherish, our existence is a love letter to those who have shaped us. Without them, we will never know ourselves. In interviews, Hope has reinforced this idea, saying ‘… I have sweet wrappers or bottle tops that I can’t let go of because they remind me of a nice memory. I think it’s really special and so I wanted to write about that’. A message like this is what is needed in such an uncertain political climate; cling onto the little sentimental things in life. 

Hope’s immense talent is showcased in the production of this song. With a run time of just over seven minutes, this is the artist’s longest and most complex work to date. Acting as a tale of two halves, the song’s production switches from tender keys to lively percussion, demonstrating artistic versatility. With this growth in production, the song reaches an apex and introduces the titular lyric, ‘I am so often caught by beautiful things, like a magpie’. This creates a vivid image in the listener’s head; like a magpie, Hope is curious about the world around her, and thus collects trinkets to commemorate this. Once again, a comment about the human psyche is made. In order to fully understand the beauty of life, simple things should be regarded with much joy. 

The release of Hope’s single also marks an exciting event taking place in the heart of Leeds. On 30th April, Hope will take to stage at the iconic Brudenell Social Club with a free gig celebrating this special track. In an age where live music is becoming increasingly inaccessible to the general public, gigs like these feel sacred, to the artist and fans alike. So if you’re free and enjoy all things folk and acoustic, head over! Independent venues and artists alike are fighting a constant struggle in an industry which doesn’t favour them, so any amount of support goes a long way. 

Review from Hanna Makowska – @writtenbyhan__