This Anna’s fourth album, and with each release we see her songwriting and production evolve
But the heart of it all remains her voice—mellifluous and captivating. It’s delicate, like the wings of a butterfly, fragile yet resilient, and beautiful, always delivering that uplifting lilt. Whether reflecting on the past or offering hope for the future, Anna’s voice continues to be a constant source of joy.
As always, the album is a melting pot of styles, showcasing Anna’s refusal to be confined to any one genre. Jazz, folk, and pop elements all blend seamlessly, and Martin Stephenson’s guitar work on tracks like ‘Light’ threatens to veer into heavier territory, adding yet another layer to the album’s dynamic soundscape (more on Martin later).
While Anna’s music has often been sunny and optimistic, ‘Night Dreams’ introduces darker, more nuanced themes, offering a more well-rounded collection. Tracks like ‘What Lies Beneath’ illustrate this shift beautifully:
You don’t want to wake in a stranger’s bed,
And find that the stranger is you.
Similarly, ‘The Addict’s Waltz’ feels like it belongs to a different chapter than her nostalgia-filled ‘Angels in Sandshoes’ album. It’s grounded in raw, earthy realism:
Glass roses, no perfume betrays,
And odourless vodka, the addicts will say.
It’s perfect for keeping suspicion at bay,
Where lying’s all part of the game.
However, not all is dark. The album’s title track introduces us to the ‘Dark Angel’, who, contrary to what the name might suggest, is not a harbinger of doom but a kind and guiding figure, appearing when we need her most during life’s storms.
Martin Stephenson, who plays all the guitars on the album, deserves special mention. It’s no small feat to handle such a wide variety of sounds with such grace. There are hidden gems sprinkled throughout, and my favourites seem to change with every listen. Currently, I can’t stop playing ‘Pockets of Time’ and ‘Impressions of Symi’.
The album’s cover, designed by Lucy Campbell, is as enchanting as the music itself—an artful introduction to an album that both beguiles and intrigues in equal measure.
On November 22nd, Anna will accompany Martin and the Daintees for a celebration of Martin’s iconic ‘Boat to Bolivia’ album, marking its 40th anniversary. Martin, ever the generous artist, will offer Anna the stage at some point.
I can’t think of a better way to spend a Saturday night.