A trinity of singer-songwriters with Celtic origins combine for this melodic album, 'Trace the Line'. Often exploring spiritual themes of redemption, grace, forgiveness and – well, peace, love and understanding, it’s delightful listening from start to finish – staying in the ear long after listening.
The three-way collaboration by husband and wife Yvonne and David Lyons, along with Gareth Davies-Jones – originally from County Down but now living and working in England, the three bring their individual musicianship and song-writing skill to the mix.
While continuing to write and perform as individuals, ‘Trace the Line’ is their second full album together. Engaging, harmonic, melodic and poetic – with the beautiful vocals of Yvonne Lyons and Gareth Davies-Jones alternating throughout, or on occasion, in duet.
The charming qualities of both Yvonne and Gareth’s vocals complementing throughout, makes this album sound totally effortless, with the spiritual themes of love and light leading to a lovely, post-pandemic ‘hope for us all’ sense of survival – it’s upbeat.
Starting out gently with the opening of ‘Unconditional’ and a sense of a new dawn (‘With the rising of the sun’), but finishing with the high-strength rousing beat of ‘Revolution’ – ‘Trace the Line’ spans a range of moods and methods.
It ebbs and flows through various musical styles – for example, ‘Trouble’ is certainly a highlight, with its ‘infectious chorus and blue grass energy’ enhanced by violin, mandolin and accordion.
In ‘Altitude’, Davies-Lyons trademark finger-picking guitar is a soothing episode.
‘Riot of Love’ is indeed an inspiring and evocative moment, with the Hammond organ bringing in a special element.
‘Trace the Line’ is the follow up to their 2016 release, The Space Between. Their collective experience and abilities as song-writers and musicians shines through on this one. Individually they have supported the likes of Bath Nielsen Chapman and Eddi Reader, and guessed on live sessions with Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2.
They bring a host of other musicians in to the mix – guest contributors include Seonaid Aitkin and Nashville based Dan Wheeler.
Rich and soulful, calming and soothing – the melodies and harmonies are what really stand out in ‘Trace the Line’.