releases

KELLY ALI - Rocking Horse

The third solo album by ex-Sneaker Pimps vocalist, Kelli Ali sets a new benchmark for the songstress, with her eerie brand of modern medieval folk, bordering on contemporary classical.  Produced by legendary music maker, Max Richter, this album is filled with his trademark string quartet and flute arrangements.

“Stunning – It is immense.  A sprawling lament to lost innocence” - WOUND MAGAZINE

Rocking Horse is the third solo album by syrupy voiced songstress, Kelli Ali, former lead singer of Sneaker Pimps (‘Becoming X’.)  Produced by prolific artist and producer Max Richter (Vashti Bunyan, Composer of The Blue Note Book, Memory House,) the thirteen track LP was recorded over three months this spring in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Pencaitland.

A departure from her trip-hop and electronic catalogue, Rocking Horsesignals pastures new for Kelli Ali, as focus is placed on whimsical vocal work and sparse arrangements, crafting unique explorations into modern folk, medieval melodies and contemporary classical music.   Rocking Horseis a stark abandonment of an electronic past, but this is how itpenetrates: Abandoning style for substance, crafting hauntingly ethereal mood pieces adorned by Richter’s richly melodic, textured production skills. This music is timeless, but only is such that time is irrelevant. Medieval and baroque sensibilities playfully combine with dark nu-folk to conjure a haunting tapestry of powerful, modern madrigals.   

Utilising Richter’s classical background, Rocking Horseshimmers with string quartet and flute arrangements, cor anglais and vintage organs, alongside the masterful acoustic guitar playing of Marc Pilley, Richter’s own piano work and Kelli’s endearing vocals.

Rocking Horse is influenced by Kelli’s nomadic past, wherein she travelled across California and Mexico after the release of her last solo album, Psychic Cat in 2004. ‘Urique’ was written in a sacred canyon in Mexico after hitching a ride with a meth-addicted truck driver, whilst the title track emerged after a journey through the California wilderness.  Soft-spoken as it is powerful, dreamy as it is melancholic and enchanting as it is haunting, Rocking Horse marks the beginning of a new Kelli Ali.   

KELLY ALI - Rockin' Horse is available through One Little Indian and distributed by Creative Vibes

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