Courtesy of a ridiculously heavy work schedule the last few weeks, Chantel McGregor’s new album (which was on my “to do” list) ended up on my “didn’t do in time” list. Ms McGregor has been featured several times on our site, usually due to Gary going to every Scottish show and telling us how good it is. I thought it was about time I gave her material a good listen. So… a week after it came out (oops), my take on The Healing.
McGregor is a singer/songwriter and guitarist. From what I can gather going through this album, she’s definitely a rocker, and definitely from the “play it from the heart” school of rock. This seems particularly emphasised on this album with many of the songs sounding like they could be as cathartic as they are well written. Whether this is the influence of Oli Brown (no stranger to these pages either) and Wayne Proctor, both of The Dead Collective, being involved in the song writing is a distinct possibility. The two also produced, mixed and mastered this wonderful collection.
Joining McGregor musically are her usual bandmates, Colin Sutton on bass and Thom Gardner on drums, and the trio make just the right level of noise. This isn’t a hard rock album by any stretch, but more melodic and laid back. There are toe tappers and voice raisers, but at no point do they quite stray into the headbanging arena… not that this is in any way a complaint. Not when there is so much other good stuff going on.
Lead single “Broken Hearted Liar” was definitely a good choice as an introduction to the album, with a great message as well as being a raw rocker. However, emotive numbers like the far more laid back “Echoes” and goosebump-inducing title track stand shoulder to shoulder with it. Frankly I can’t wait to hear the latter live. Mainly a vocal track with a bit of music behind it (and what vocals), it culminates in a soaring and beautiful guitar solo.
I don’t know how The Healing stacks up to Chantel McGregor’s previous material, I judge from the blurb that came with it that it’s a bit of a departure, but I love it. I am very much looking forward to the Glasgow show, and I know Gary is already warming up his lenses and memory cards for Edinburgh! The tour has already started, but there are plenty of chances to see her and her band live.
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Header image by Gary Cooper
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