Wednesday, 08 September 2010 
Other Reviews
Tales of Love, War and Death by Hanging
Hearts And Minds
False Lights From The Land EP
Folk Against Fascism
The Longshot
Blue Beginnings
Levellers Live
Show Of Hands
Dust And Gold
Steve Knightley & Jenna
01/04/2010
Dust And Gold
Rachel Taylor-Beales
It's the duty of all critics to compare any female musical artist to either Bjork or Joni Mitchell. At least that's what you'd assume if you regularly read the press. Of course this lazy and rampant compartmentalism doesn't do justice to many an independently minded performer such as Rachel Taylor-Beales, whose colour trilogy, has defied any easy tag from the start. 'Dust & Gold' now completes this intriguing series and offers up more of Rachel's idiosyncrasies in the shape of jazz-inflected storytelling, lush balladry and rootsy rambles.
'Turnaround Town' relays a childhood experience about a chance encounter with an Aboriginal women in the suburbs of Western Australia. Along with her trips up to Mt. Macedon in the opener ('Child Of The Sun') it's immediately apparent, once again, that Rachel's travelogue of dramas and dreams are couched in the raw detail of her own story. The overall mood is more optimistic than the previous albums, with a touch more lightness to the arrangements and narratives; even when reflecting on tough times a soothing refrain is closer than before. And there's a new found steeliness, as well as ready made encore, in the shape of 'Here We Go Now'.
There's no shortage of talent in her latest studio team with the main contribution coming from Dylan Fowler, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist. Dylan also handled all elements of the superbly vibrant production without losing any of the inherent intimacy. For examples, look no further than a trio of slow-burning ballads - 'Sing It Out', 'Come On In' and 'Dust And Gold', which act as a scintillating climax to the series.
Rachel now inhabits her own exclusive genre as her influences have become less overt over time - always the mark of a true artist. Her musical world is now a seamless soundtrack to her personal journey and a glowing fulfilment of her artistry.
David Kushar