Fourth Person - Sarah Sharp
Reviewer: Elly Roberts
Review Date: 03/17/2005
Album Review
Deep in the heart of Texas,there's a real buzz going on.The lady at the centre of it all is Sarah Sharp.Debut albums have a propensity of being hit and miss affairs.Not this one.Following a huge effort on the road,American singer-songwriter Sarah Sharp finally commits her finely honed songwriting skills on Fourth Person.The attractive blonde Texan has been creating waves for some time now,with regular stints on radio and venues in her native state.She is also due to embark on an East-Coast tour.Nearly two years ago she gigged in southern England and Wrexham north Wales.Her significant other-Buffalo Speedway(a native of Wrexham) has considerable musical input on this meticulously produced twelve tracker.She's been getting rave reviews in the States,and is about to unleash her considerable musical talents in March,followed by UK touring in April.This ‘time-capsule' serves to consolidate her credentials as a bone fide contemporary Americana artist.Along with Speedway,she has the benefit of one-man-band Kevin Ryan,(drums,bass,mellotron and various “sonic hi-jinx”) as they collectively scale the endless possibilities of 21 century eclectic balladeering.Sarah's vocals are sharp but delicate;perfectly complementing the imaginative lyrical scenarios.From the sensually teasing opener-Time Capsule,we get an indication of her range.With songs tackling deceit (Run), heartache (Can't We Just Love) loneliness(Surrender) and flirting-there's plenty of meat on the bone.
Fourth Person will thrill her indigenous fanbase,with the international domino effect coming later.The ‘instant' hit,which radio stations(particularly in the UK –e.g Johnnie Walker show)are seeking out,comes in the form of final track-Blame It On The Night.This swaying jazzy ditty would open the door to the often fractured nature of the UK singles market,leading to further artist scrutiny.Not the most instant of albums;it definitely grows on you with time.The more you listen,the more you discover the polyphonic delights.
A very impressive debut; full of charm and character.
