It’s so exciting when I’m sitting in my cubicle at Start-track HQ, and a record comes along that feels so unique, it seems to carve out its own genre.
Well, buckle up, because Timëa is here with her debut album ‘Here and There’!
These 11 songs were written over the last 6 years, and were recorded with a full band (at home, in a mattress-padded corner!).
Hungary-born, Australia-based Timëa says the name, ‘Here and There,’ reflects her life as a traveler who’s lived in many different countries. Incredibly, each of these songs was written or recorded in at least 3 different countries.
‘Swallow’s – We are eased into the album with delicate acoustic guitars and a gentle vocal. I got strong Fleetwood Mac vibes at first. The drumming and the vocal tone have that effortlessly smooth, rounded sound. Like a forgotten 70’s classic, this one has a melody that will sit on your shoulder all day. Lyrically, it’s a tale of compassion and belonging:
“Swallows you’re always welcome to stay
Me and you we’re all the same
Sing me songs from a distant shore
Your nest will be waiting above my door”
‘Own Sun’ – The funk is strong with this one! It bounces along like an eager puppy, and is jazzy too – the horns and woodwinds sound velvety smooth and add a beautifully tactile, analogue dimension. With warm keys and even a sax solo, all that’s missing is the crackle of that dusty vinyl.
‘Hold On’ – A simpler sound, there’s plenty of space here, and some crystal clear guitar tones. Timëa’s vocal shines once again – intimate and close with perfectly judged backing vox – she leads you through the track, guiding you around each phrase and melody flourish with a watchmaker’s precision.
‘Ran To The Hills’ – There’s such a feeling of connection to the band here – it transports you into the room with them, or perhaps to an impromptu performance sitting on logs next to a campfire! Trust me – you’ll feel every note, every phrase. Hints of Karen Carpenter’s pure, emotive power are on show as the song unfolds in its haunting, unhurried way – and pay attention to those lyrics – it’s a familiar story I guarantee you will relate to…
‘Ourselves Alone’ – I liked the way this one builds and builds, with percussive hits and big, descending motifs. To my ears, traditional Irish folk influences add a timeless quality, and those aching strings mean you’re in for an enchanting ride.
‘Letter’ – Lyrically one of the more direct tracks on the album, it’s about self-reflection and the passing of time. This does indeed sound like it was passed down through the generations with the spirit of the past. You’ll be transported to another place and time.
‘Metamorphosis’ – Musically, a lighter track with a bright, jaunty feel and another delicate melody. There are fiddles and a shuffling beat that adds to the happy, celebratory sound – a cool contrast to the reflective lyrics about the pressure of time and expectation:
“They say Get it on and do it fast
To make the family line last
I don’t know if I’m ready for this
Metamorphosis”
‘Dazed and Dazzled’ – Like the soundtrack to a 70’s indie movie, I loved the jazzy-rock feel here. Strong echoes of ‘Moondance’ by Van Morrison, but with a brighter energy and a crisper sound. Infectious and groovy – daddio, I’m off to grab my turtle neck and my beret!
‘Mr Inspector’ – The vibe continues, with noodling guitars and a workmanlike, matter-of-fact lyrical tale about a highly relatable, everyday situation.
‘Everything’s Fine’ – As the album plays, I’m fully dialed in, and I feel that maybe I can hear the occasional influence of old songs and shadows of psychedelic rock. Here, the arpeggiated guitar riff gave me ‘(Don’t Fear) The Reaper’ flashbacks. Anyway, this track is more ethereal, more laid back, more cloud-like. It floats along like a feather on the breeze, and it contains my favourite line of the whole album:
“It’s just so nice
Sitting on a log watching the river’s eyes
Daydreaming”
‘Constellations’ – The final track of the album features the welcome addition of a glockenspiel! The track goes through sudden changes of mood and rhythm that feel really fresh and invigorating. I loved these handbrake turns, and I found myself replaying the song multiple times. This song will keep you on your toes for sure, but rest assured, there are more irresistible vocal melodies. It’s a beautifully tactile and soulful end to the album.
‘Here and There’ is equal parts cinematic, nostalgic, and whimsical – it’s a masterclass of atmosphere and storytelling.
Every dimension is perfectly judged, and there’s so much depth to its organic sound that it’s like swimming in a warm ocean teeming with life. The fact that this was recorded at home should have studios quaking in their boots!
Lyrically, there are some big themes here, but each is handled with refreshing clarity. The album delves into subjects such as longing, change, love, loss, and identity in a really open, unpretentious way.
Elegant songwriting combines with beautiful performances to deliver rock, jazz, folk, funk, and more. These songs feel rooted in centuries of folk tradition, but feel entirely current and are a dazzling display of genre-blending songcraft.
Written by Grubby
