Oct 62 min read

Arielle - 'Reel To Real'

This is an album that will take a few listens for it to grow on you. However, it is worth taking the time for it to do so.

Arielle is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. In the past she took part in Brian May’s musical about Queen called ‘We Will Rock You’; she played all the lead guitar parts. Since then, she has released a number of albums and EPs, toured in America, and has also been support to bands touring in the UK. In conjunction with May, she has also had a signature guitar designed and released by his guitar company. May has been quoted as saying that she is his favourite guitarist.

This latest album was crowdfunded, and has a sixties feel running through it. Arielle plays guitar, sings lead vocals, and she also produced and mixed the album. Other musicians involved are Devin North (bass), Ben Parks (drums), and special guest Reese Wynans (Bonamassa) on keys.

‘Back To Being Bad’ kicks the album off, and has fantastic Hammond organ and a catchy guitar riff. Following on is ‘Mirror Of Life’, a very laid-back track with gentle vocals, a wonderful soulful vibe, and bluesy guitar work. ‘Bell-Bottoms & Bel Airs’ is an instrumental Blues shuffle with distorted and Wah-Wah sounding guitar, whilst, with its very sixties vibe, ‘Stray Dog’ is a mid-tempo song with lovely harmonies on the chorus. ‘Lava Lamp Love’ is another (short) instrumental capturing a sixties feel, with its swirling guitar sound. ‘Love For Yourself’ is a lovely song with an ear worm melody that will have you humming it for days.

‘These Boots Are Made For Walking’ is the Nancy Sinatra hit from the mid-sixties; it has, however, been brought up to date, and is a lot heavier than the original. It is a great version of a piece of musical nostalgia. The final track is ‘MoonChild’; this is full of “flower power” sounds, table-style Indian drums, psychedelic vocals and a sitar-sounding guitar.

This is an album that will take a few listens for it to grow on you. However, it is worth taking the time for it to do so. My only criticism is that it only runs for around thirty-five minutes. Unfortunately, Arielle has just cancelled her headlining tour for September and October due to ill health, but she has promised to be back in 2025 touring again in the UK.

Reviewer: Paul Gregory

Label: Independent

Genre: Rock

Issue Reviewed In: 108

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