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While the London-centric nu-folk mob have spent the past few years taking on the charts, it's been the peripheries of the country that have supplied some of the more interesting, more authentic and more rewarding rising folk stars. South Shields teenager Natasha Haws can certainly be added to the list. This, her debut EP, is made up of three witty, mature and exquisitely performed songs; simple and pure, there's nothing here but chiming, fingerpicked guitar, occasional percussion and Haws' crystal clear voice which will unfortunately be described as 'quirky', when really it deserves better.
Lead track 'Stepping Stone' takes a sideways look at break-up "don't think of me as your rebound but as your personal stepping stone... talk of her to me, I don't mind... you're not the first, you're not the last". Those sweet tones may be angelic but the subject matter portrays a different personality. 'Happiness' shows that less can be more when wanting to set a mood, packing in more feeling than many more ordained pieces have done. On final track 'Constant Fairytale' we get a glimpse of Natasha Haws' north-eastern accent peaking through in places. This EP is winsome and pretty and is bound to draw a few Kate Bush comparisons, but there are far worse people to be mentioned in the same breath as. Very lovely indeed.
Natasha Haws' website
Pre-order the EP
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