Leaves That Fly

Leaves That Fly is the debut album from Glasgow-based Kim Richards and a beautiful and heartfelt release it is too. Comprising mainly of self-penned songs, with the occasional cover thrown in, Leaves That Fly is a charmingly produced album. It's a testament to her talent that Richards has enlisted some of the best musicians on the Scottish scene today, including Mike Vass, James Lindsay, Signy Jakobsdottir and Mairearad Green.

Occasionally songs lack a little variety but the strength of Richards' voice and her talent as a storyteller shines through. ‘Say We’ has a nice rousing melody, while ‘When the Leaves Grow’ is a tender and life-affirming track. ‘Shallow Brown’ makes fine use of some field recordings to introduce this, perhaps rather too sweet, version of this old shanty. While ‘Passing Tide’ is an enjoyable little piece of nostalgia for Richards' youth. With a fine, striking yet soft voice and a talent for song-writing Richards is certainly one to watch. Much promise here.