Epic electronic arrangements and the poetic exploration of topics both thoughtful and fierce – HeartherLee Sounds creates from a place of conceptual inspiration, and as such, her album Battleground features a boldly eclectic array of styles.
From the opening weight and anthemic power of Battleground, we’re introduced to a classic theatrical pop voice, and this continues to prove familiar, despite the clear shift to something more EDM-like and hard-hitting for Formidable.
Versatility is inherent in this journey, and moments of delicacy are just as essential as those that uplift or confront the listener. Consider the acoustic intimacy and vulnerability of Mighty Warrior, still on point for its theme and motivational depth, but highlighting the nuance of HeartherLee’s voice under a more dreamy kind of light.
The same quality is also found throughout the hopeful celebration of connection that is Through the Eyes of Love – a softly harmonised performance, with short lines and a simple groove to bring things back to the minimalist appeal of a pop ballad.
Despite the clear presence of themes, titles and images relating to the widespread impact of battles and wars, this album more accurately zones in on a set of deeply personal feelings and experiences. The Battleground is seemingly a metaphor for the individual fight for understanding and longevity amidst those who matter, and we hear this increasingly as we make our way through the likes of a divinely mellow I Love You, and a rather outstanding and empowering Fortress. That versatility works its magic immensely here, the latter track a cinematic explosion of passion and purpose, and one that helps thread together the various stages of the Battleground story. A definite highlight, and a subtle but smart earworm at the same time.
At the penultimate moment, Life Support adopts a quirky retro groove and rhythm, to present another metaphor and a creatively fresh twist of melodic progression and modest dissonance. Then to finish, we turn back towards the organic warmth of piano, as Never Far Away promises a sense of lasting possibility, connection, and overcoming.
There are many stages to the scenes and intricacies of Battleground, and HeatherLee Sounds represents these like pages in a book – new scenes, new settings, new styles. However, even with the variety of sound, the voice and poetic intention remains an anchor point of relevance and familiarity, and effectively holds together these conflicting elements that seek to underline the chaos, destruction, and ultimate sense of love or desire that drives the heart of every Battleground
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