The Jellyman’s Daughter

There really is a great deal to be excited about with the state of Scottish music.
Everything from rap, R&B and rock to pop and indie, there’s no shortage of great bands and music to listen to.
It also appears there’s a golden renaissance of global styles being given the Caledonian treatment. Whether that’s traditional American blues or even Euro-infused techno, Scots acts are trying their hands at anything and everything.
Tackling the whispering blues of the Deep South, The Jellyman’s Daughter arrives with what is a spectacular debut album. Chock full of acoustic talent and a husky, smoky lyricism, this new work is a great introduction and more than capable of holding its own against the traditional artists from across The Pond.
Consisting of duo Emily Kelly and Graham Coe, the pair combine to form a venerable musical machine. Pitched perfectly against and together, their multi-instrumental creativity is matched only by their lingering harmonies and synchronicity.
The Jellyman’s Daughter is an album that’s jam-packed with promise. Never reaching a palpable climax, the work bubbles and simmers with a constant, almost calming fury. Adult themes and masterful lyric writing are delivered in a very amicable and pleasant fashion. A relief to hear music with substance that isn’t being shouted, screamed or plastered in the face of the listener.
Standout tracks include ‘Blue Lullaby’ and ‘Anna’, both of which are comfortably numb while hauntingly beautiful. Evoking a blend of John Denver sentimentality infused with Led Zeppelin menace, there’s a bite to this soothing lullaby of an album.
That’s no more evident than in ‘Come Back to Me.’ Kelly and Coe’s duelling vocals are set juxtaposed to what can only be described as an eerily imposing acoustic suite. Our singing guides on this hauntingly charming track are always kept at arm’s distance and the listener never really knows who’s side they’re on. If any.
Forging ahead with Deep South blues given a distinctly Scottish accent is a brave and bold move. Thankfully, The Jellyman’s Daughter prove that it’s more than capable of being pulled off in the right hands. A terrific debut that lingers long after it finishes, it’s serious music with all the frills left on.

The Edinburgh launch show is at Hendersons St John’s on Friday 26th September, with further shows on Oct 5th at Glasgow CCA (Americana festival) and on the 15th at Peebles Eastgate Theatre.

More at www.thejellymansdaughter.com