What’s in a name? Yes, Sorrel is her actual name, but that’s not unusual when you think how many people are named after herbs and flowers – from Basil to Myrtle and many more – but there’s not many Sorrels about! It’s even more serendipitous to realise that her new album is called ‘Creeping Thyme’ – in keeping with this beautiful connection to the natural world.
In fact, many of the songs were written outdoors surrounded by countryside and the changing seasons.
After listening all the way through several times – two things strike me. One, the absolute versatility, range and beauty of Sorrel’s voice – an ability to wear many different moods and melodic interpretations. Two, her cover of Sandy Denny’s ‘Who Knows Were the Time Goes.’ Would it be sacrilege to say this surpasses the original? Maybe so, but I think it is the finest version of this classic – one of my all-time personal favourites – that I have ever heard. It’s one where the only thing you can do is stop everything to just listen – for five minutes of heaven.
In fact, there’s a bit of a story behind Sorrel recording Sandy’s song. The recording followed Sorrel’s personal invitation from Denny’s daughter Georgia Rose Lucas, to contribute to ‘Sandy Denny: A People’s History’ placing her among an illustrious group of other contributors such as Rufus Wainwright for one.
‘Creeping Thyme’ doesn’t hang around – it kicks off with ‘Chaos Town’ – showcasing Sorrel Nation’s voice at its finest.
This is indeed an album to fall into – to take time with.
Highlights include ‘Child of Autumn’ – a love song to this time of year; ‘When the Winter Breaks’, co-written with Vanessa Forero – it is inspired by the longing to return home after many years away – with the inkling to start everything anew.
The previously released ‘Ran Jonny Ran’ is a deeply personal song, reflecting on a loved one desperately searching for something and looking in all the wrong places.
‘Tell Me You Love Me’ strips everting back to just Sorrel’s vocals and resonator guitar, recorded in a single live take.
The title track and first single – ‘Creeping Thyme’ – which not only refers to the ancient wild herb and its rich folklore, it can also be easily heard as ‘creeping time’ – which is the theme of the album: the way in which time creeps quietly on, and how our priorities and sense of direction change with age and acquired wisdom.
As Sorrel said herself the folklore surrounding ‘Creeping Thyme’ perfectly captures the spirit of the record ‘Learning from nature and the changing seasons has taught me to love the simplest things and to stay resilient through life’s strife. Creeping Thyme felt like a fitting title, as the folklore surrounding this ancient wild herb speaks of courage, protection, peace and the magic and memory of old ways.’
Musically the album draws inspiration from American and British folk, old time music – with a modern edge. Warm, rootsy and organic, Sorrel has created a magnetic collection of songs gather from her favourite artists and music, while creating a sound that is entirely her own.