Leigh Nash, or better known as "that girl from Six Pence None The Richer", has now released a solo record after the split up of the group. The split up was unexpected to Nash and after a hiatus of creative stagnation she has gone out and completed a pretty package of eleven tracks that will either make you cringe with pop-digust or please your palette for down-to-earth, mature, and beautifully arranged pop tunes. For those of you who thought that Leigh could only sing on "Kiss Me" with that sultry but punctuated voice will certainly be delivered a surprise with this debut. Leigh belts out songs with expert delivery, while still keeping her subtle sweet-sultryness throughout. She may not be the most poignant and original singer but she's sure got the voice.



The songs have that Loreena Mckennitt earthy folk styling to them. That sunlight peeking through tree-tops while walking barefoot down a forest path feeling. It's not exactly tangible but the air is there. Several instruments take part in creating this alluring atmosphere; electronic pads, slide guitars, acoustic guitars, drums, percussion, even a little didjaredoo at the beginning of "Nervous In The Light of Dawn". Most importantly though is the fine instrument of Nash's voice echoing through these woodsy/mountain top/sea foam air compositions.



Songs like "Never Finish" display Leigh Nash's ability to connect not only with our slow dance memories, but also with little pieces of our soul. She sings the chorus with charm and bravery while a ballerina piano explores deeper regions, and harmony singers create a powerful atmosphere, yet the whole thing still remaining soft and personal. It's not only catchy but also carries that very innocent air of pre-Britanny Spears pop.



Other tunes such as "My Idea Of Heaven" seem to elevate a little higher. The song is placed in-front of an off-beat country rhythm and stretches nicely into swooning sliding guitars, opened rhythms and Leigh Nash's angelic voice singing "This is my idea of Heaven/ Lying here with you." It's a simple but effective song.



Unfortunately though, she may be a little late to stay relevant in todays constant stream of innovation. Her songs follow the the very essence of pop's formulas with little or no diversity. The songs start with the bare essential instruments, then the verses allow Nash to sing eloquently and passionately, then the beat heightens and at the chorus it all peaks, and then repeats. Her lyrics follow very basic cliches most of the time but sometimes her words shine through to the middle of your heart; more often than not though, it stays relatively simple. You're not exactly buying her album for insight however; it's more the way the sings it.



It may not be for everyone, but for people who were either fans of Six Pence, or are searching for the innocence of a pop long ago, this could be for you. It has it's fair share of surprises, and Nash is an undeniable siren transforming her cliched words into something inspirational. With a great producer behind her (not just the standard 'pop' fair) she could make a genuinely great album similar to Loreena McKinnit's other-wordly Book of Secrets.



Track Listing

1 Along The Wall

2 Nervous in the Light of Dawn

3 My Idea of Heaven

4 Ocean Size Love

5 Never Finish

6 Between The Lines

7 More Of It

8 Angel Tonight

9 Blue

10 Cloud Nine

11 Just A Little