From lions to tigers, fish and mice, Sydney’s gentle folk extraordinaire Holly Throsby looks set to draw a collective swoon from her amorous fans.
From lions to tigers, fish and mice, Sydney’s gentle folk extraordinaire Holly Throsby looks set to draw a collective swoon from her amorous fans. This time, however, Throsby returns to the fray with a twist in mind: See! is a collection of original children’s songs.
It’s rather tough to imagine an artist more suited to such an undertaking and, predictably, Throsby succeeds in her venture, emerging once again in fine form.
What ideas do the words ‘children’s record’ conjure up? Most likely songs by guys in skivvies, or absurd puppets screeching textbook pop over and over again. Well, it’s time to bin those notions of ears bleedings from innoucuos innanity, because – thanks in part to Throsby’s continued folk-brilliance – See! shoots for something a little different in it’s distinctly reserved, soothing acoustic style.
While her songwriting shines, skillfully crafted around the interests and imaginations of children, the greatest asset of See! is its ability to transcend its initial brief, tending to other audiences without straying too far from the demographic in play. Indeed, See! equally asserts an indie-folk appeal for which Throsby is known and loved. Certainly, there is a playful childlike flavour attractive to a particular age-group, but See! is sure to avoid the alienation of others with an endearing does of twee bound to resonate with older listeners.
In fact, the biggest mistake you can make with See! is to simply dismiss it for its intentions. It is spirited and sprightly, but not always so specific to kids that it can’t find a home elsewhere.
The exuberant farm-yard folk of Hello Tiger and the brilliantly sweet Fish And Mice are clear standouts in a record comprised of numerous special guests, including Darren Hanlon, J.Walker, Jack Ladder and Margaret Throsby. Ultimately, however, it is Throsby herself that bestows such remarkable charm upon the record, her invitingly warm vocal talents as prevalent in their power as ever.
It can be said that that See! should fit neatly with the rest of Throsby’s back catalogue; a cute, curious, mellow folk-affair that takes no time at all in endearing itself to the listener.
