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Carolyn Stilwell: Land of Clouds

There are few artists in NZ who are making music in the mystical vein. Carolyn Stilwell's debut solo album mixes influences of Celtic music, Kiwi folklore and references to the mythological lands of Avalon and Atlantis, over a background of ethereal, ambient electronica. Produced by the artist and Paul Rattray for Stilwell's own label, Loose in the Mix, 'Land of Clouds' is a decidedly independent affair, with the only musical accompaniment to the vocals being electronic programming by Rattray. Stilwell wrote the majority of the material, and arranged all the music to suit her layered, echoed vocals. The sound is reminiscent of Enya and Clannad, and Stilwell's voice is the unique instrument that presents both the haunting melodies and lush harmonies. The majority of tracks are similar in tone and ambience, but Bo Peep stands out purely for the rhythmic changes and jaunty tone, as does the title track, where Stillwell sings of migration to NZ through time by the various peoples of the land. While it would benefit from more variation in the electronic background, overall this is a fine solo debut.

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