Album Review: Meghann Clancy - Take Flight

Rating: 4/5

Grassington girl Meghann Clancy may have relocated to Newcastle upon Tyne, where she not only co-hosts an open mic night at Loco every Thursday and plays as part of Greg Genre and Box Box Box Box, but also finds time to showcase her lush vocals on her self-penned compositions.

While still largely unknown on the national circuit, Clancy has bitten the bullet and unveiled her debut album, the aptly titled 'Take Flight'. For Clancy is set to use 2013 as a launchpad to see her career as a soloist soar outside of her local terrain.

Clancy is everything you could ever wish for in a female vocalist. With echoes of Andrea Corr, Tori Amos, Patsy Matheson and Sinead O'Connor, she's a memorable vocalist able to channel emotion and provoke both smiles and tears. Sonically, Clancy is more akin to contemporary storyteller Lotte Mullan, for her own musings are whimsically engaging. From the determined 'When You Look At Me' through to the longing 'Bite The Bullet', 'Take Home' offers many magical musical moments.



While the playful opener 'Love You All Over' epitomises Clancy's ability to channel emotion and balance it with a radio-friendly, sing-along delivery, there are moments when 'Take Flight' highlights Clancy's need for stronger production. 'Heart & Mind' could easily become the album's most memorable, most touching and poignant moment, but in a quest to emulate Emeli Sande, Clancy seems to lose the spark that defines 'Take Flight'. Equally 'Ghost' should be chillblain inducing, but the overlayed vocals detract from the beauty instead of building on the drama.

Ending with the tender grace of 'Can't Do Right For Doing Wrong', Clancy may close her debut journey with her most understated number, but it is the one that offers the greatest impact. While there are echoes once again of Emeli Sande - with a sprinkling of Delta Goodrem and Birdy for good measure - Clancy never loses her sense of self to the artist that has inspired her sound. 'Can't Do Right For Doing Wrong' is simple, honest and moving.

'Take Flight' might not tick every box necessary for a perfect score, but that makes it no less worthy a listen. Clancy is a striking singer/songwriter, whose open approach to lyrics often leaves a listener breathless.