Mel Parsons – Castle Hill (CD)

Mel Parsonswill release her new album,CASTLE HILL, on 7 August and has also announced aseven-date New Zealand tour. Named after the remote mountain village in New Zealands Southern Alps where it was recorded,CASTLE HILListhe Lyttelton-based artistsseventh album.

Across 10 tracks, the album explores resilience, grief, self-doubt, nostalgia, presence and transformationdelivered through the artistssignature indie-folk blend of vulnerable, reflective songwriting. While never shying away from melancholy, Mels songs always leave space for light. Something that pulls listeners into her music and makes her such a skilled songwriter and performer.Sad songs still reign supreme for me,Mel says,but I always hope theres a crack of light in there somewhere. I think that reflects human naturewere all somewhere on the emotional rollercoaster at any given time.

The album was produced byJosh Loganand recorded livein a single roomwith Mels longtime band membersAaron Stewarton bass andJed Parsonson drums, joined byBen King(Goldenhorse,Grand Rapids) on guitar, creating what Mel describes as a full immersion recording experience over a stolen summer holiday. With a beautiful new record, a nationwide tour ahead and an impressive catalogue,CASTLE HILLmarks another significant milestone for one of Aotearoas finestsinger-songwriters.

Tracklist:

1. Grain by Grain
2. Caravan
3. Post High Slide
4. Dont Leave The Light On
5. Be Here Now
6. Brick by Brick
7. Not Enough
8. Clean Slate
9. Time Slows Down
10. The Rain