Adore Him

New EP by Ragz

Reviewed by Richard Lewis 15/8/2010

Originally hailing from Norway and now settled in Liverpool, the current EP by singer-songwriter Ragz builds on the reputation she has won performing live. The sparing instrumentation of the four tracks allows her voice to take centre stage on a collection of surprisingly dark songs. The gently uncoiling arpeggio of opening track ‘Mama Pray’ sets the scene, based around a few sparse chords that are accompanied by her keening voice. Featuring an intriguing lyric “II promised myself never to grow up”, the pretty guitar line is offset by dark verses about “tearing my skin up”.

Framed by lightly murmuring acoustic guitar and piano, track two ‘Real This’ lays the foundation for arcing vocals illuminated by rich harmonies. Title track ‘Adore Him - the standout of the collection - is a grim tale of love gone sour, hinging on the lyric “the more she adored him/the more she bored him”.

The final song, ‘Run’, begins with a sinister folky guitar figure and positive proof that Ragz’s voice is just as strong live. Steered along by lightly pattering drums, the track is reminiscent of PJ Harvey’s quieter moments on her ‘White Chalk’ LP.

Aside from the obvious comparisons to Joni Mitchell, along with possibly Jeff Buckley and a smidgen of Polly Jean Harvey, Ragz’s wider influences are tricky to pin down. Her songs succeed largely in favour of this, by being familiar sounding without being obviously derivative.

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