This wonderfully talented young woman is the daughter of missionaries, and has lived in several places around the world, including southern Africa. Now that you know at least this much about Diane, and, looking the title of her debut album Bible Belt, one wouldn’t be blamed for thinking that this might be on album of hymns or praise and worship music. Don’t be fooled (as I first was) – it isn’t.
Rather, Diane has given us a record of gorgeous, catchy, folky, soulful pop, reminiscent of a young Carole King and Karen Carpenter. We’re talking the kind of melodies that one simply wants to be able to sing along to, and accompany the singing with the occasional head-bop or finger-snap. Her music never sounds dated or irrelevant. It’ll appeal to people of all ages, and from all walks because it’s just so damn good.
The opening track ‘Fire Escape’ piqued my curiosity. ‘Valentino’, the second track, made it even more clear that I had to drop whatever it was I was busy with at the time, and really LISTEN to this album. Following ‘Valentino’ came ‘Fools’ and ‘Nothing But a Miracle’. And when I heard the opening bars of ‘Rewind’, well, I knew that I had to abandon all other work while listening to the rest of the album.
When the CD had run its course, I sat in something like a stunned silence. Diane Birch had taken me by surprise, taken my breath away, and had far surpasses all expectations I’d had. Having listened to Bible Belt several times now, I can say with confidence that my highlight tracks are the soulful ‘Fire Escape’, the infectiously upbeat ‘Valentino’ (which makes me want to dance around more than any high-fibre breakfast cereal’s ever done), the sing-along ‘Fools’ (remember the Karen Carpenter comment?), ‘Rewind’, which is undoubtedly my favourite track, and reminds me a little of Regina Spektor. The gentle, dignified ‘Photograph’ is a wonderful nod to the mature break-up songs of a couple of decades ago (before people felt the need to get hysterical about things) – and it comes with a rousing surprise in the closing couple of minutes! ‘Don’t Wait Up’ has to be my other favourite track on this album, catchy and clearly gospel-inspired, complete with choir! ‘Ariel’ reminds me of Elton John’s better days, and ‘Choo Choo’ has a brilliant 60’s edge to it. ‘Forgiveness’ brings us to gospel again, though this time the pace has slackened, and not in a bad way, as Diane’s vocals take pride of place, emotional and powerful. The closing track, ‘Magic View’ is exquisite. Just… exquisite.
Yes, my highlight tracks number nearly the entire album. Too good to be true? Not at all. I don’t think there’s a single dud on Bible Belt. Diane Birch is a gem, and adding her debut album to your music collection can do nothing but enhance it.
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