Creatively bridging the gap between modern music and 19th century Gothic Literature, – the brilliantly unique Amanda Fagan delivers a captivating debut album, with 8 original songs each based upon a gothic novel or poem from the 19th century.
Beginning with the instantly intriguing My Dear Frankenstein, the culturally recognisable core of this project is not only the historical familiarity of the concepts but the crisp and contemporary capture of piano, vocals, strings and stories. This opening song builds up from intimate to intense throughout an arrangement and performance a little like the bigger pop singles from Olivia Rodrigo or Paramore.
Amanda’s storytelling and perspective grips you, and her voice meanders from quietly uncertain to boldly impassioned, with rhyme schemes that are fresh, relaying newly imagined stories inspired by age-old tales that have been retold many times. In this case, the songs play out like fan-fiction or spin offs, and the music is evocative and engaging, satisfying and carefully structured; all of which My Dear Frankenstein makes clear from the outset.
Next we get a waltz of a set-up from Pieces of Me, before Breath on the Mirror, a poignant highlight, slows things down to a ballad-like pace, the voice taking on a character inspired by Jekyll & Hyde, which again compels you to listen closely, and to feel the rising emotion, as the neo-classical arrangement and delivery gather clear and compelling momentum.
The Abbey is a personal favourite, simple and striking in its melancholic, haunting evolution, towards a multi-layered vocal crescendo that’s enchanting to listen to at volume. Following this, the acoustic guitar strum and questioning, nearly whispered softness of Forever Yearn seems perfectly placed for intimacy and impact.
Something a little lighter again but heartfelt and darkly impassioned at the same time, Wicked For Wishing for Love continues our journey through these chapters of literary history, and leads well into the rhythmic rock guitars and drums of a rather explosive He Never Leaves Me. The songs are fascinating in themselves, but to give spoilers would detract from their power, so to listen is your best course of action for the intrigue and twists of each song.
To finish, Christabel returns to acoustic guitar – a personal tale, a rise-and-fall melody, a certain self-reflective lostness that’s relatable even with its literary distinction. This folk-pop song is bright yet heartbroken, and makes for a gorgeously melodic and recognisable closing track, from an album that’s easily one of the most creative, focused, fascinating and (perhaps most importantly) entertaining original projects of the year.
Find songwriter & 19th century Gothic Novel fanatic Amanda Fagan on Instagram, TikTok.
