Ruth Angell - Hlywing
by Zena Grieg
published: 20 / 2 / 2023

Label:
Talking Elephant
Format: CD
intro
Enthralling strings-laden debut album from classically-trained multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Ruth Angell
‘Hlywing’ is the debut solo album of the multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Ruth Angell. Comprising mainly original compositions, the title derived from the medieval English word for shelter, this is an enthralling collection, the songs distinctively underpinned by an eclectic range of strings: “I knew from the start that using a variety of strings was always going to be an important element of this album – when they are all arranged in one piece the result is intense and conveys exactly what I hoped would represent the settings for each of my songs.” Classically trained at Birmingham Conservatoire as a violinist and composer, Angell displays strong lyrical and empathic storytelling skills inspired by nature and the landscapes around her home, themes spanning an array of different circumstances, situations and emotions. Songs to listen out for in this ten-track collection include: the Celtic-tinged, atmospheric opener ‘In The Vale of Contemplation’; the elegiac ‘No Roses’, Angell’s arrangement of Christina Rosetti’s poem ‘Song’; an assured cover of Joni Mitchell’s searing ‘Magdalene Laundries’; ‘Castle on the Hill’ highlighting Angell’s mellifluous, soaring vocals; and the haunting, poignant ‘Little Boy Blue’ with its elemental, tidal rhythm. Evocative, melodious, ‘Hylwing’ marks an intriguing milestone in this promising artist’s career.
Track Listing:-
1 Castle on the Hill2 The Boathouse
3 Little Boy Blue
4 Shipyard Fairy
5 Little Bird
6 Treasure
7 Magdalene Laundries
8 No Roses
9 Three Stags'
10 In the vale of Contemplation
Band Links:-
https://ruthangell.com/https://twitter.com/ruth_angell
Play in YouTube:-
Have a Listen:-
bandcamp
most viewed articles
current edition
Carl Ewens - David Bowie 1964 to 1982 On Track: Every Album, Every SongArmory Show - Interview with Richard Jobson
Colin Blunstone - Thalia Hall, Chicago, 16/7/2025
John McKay - Interview
Visor Fest - Valencia, Spain, 26/9/2025...27/9/2025
Bathers - Photoscapes 1
Billie Eilish - O2 Arena, London, 10/7/2025
Robert Forster - Interview
Loft - Interview
Sir Tim Rice - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Amy Macdonald - Is This What You've Been Waiting For?Sick Man of Europe - The Sick Man of Europe
Lucy Spraggan - Other Sides of the Moon
Davey Woodward - Mumbo in the Jumbo
Phew, Erika Kobayashi,, Dieter Moebius - Radium Girls
Alice Cooper - The Revenge of Alice Cooper
Bush - I Beat Loneliness
Blueboy - 2
Suzanne Vega - Flying With Angels
Cynthia Erivo - I Forgive You
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart