After Punxatawny Phil proclaimed another six long weeks of winter this Groundhog’s Day, it was evident that we needed a little something to help us forget about the colder months of this new year, and jet forward—without the treading of water slowing us down.  Gayle Cloud’s 2010 self-released sophomore release, Many Waters, is the perfect vessel, propelling the listener forward in style and comfort the entire way through.

Beginning with sounds of water, soothing synth pads, haunting cymbal rushes and layers and layers of world percussion, “Many Waters” goes even further—with an amassment of strings and vocals combining to form a sound that swells like waves and embodies a majesty comparable to that of mountains meeting the ocean.

The masterful production (John Pahmer), artistry and songwriting of “Golden Wings” is reason enough to pick up a copy of Many Waters, and as the positive world-influenced vibrations ascend straight to the sky, Gayle’s ethereal and otherworldly vocals pierce the listener straight through the heart.

As Many Waters moves forward, elements of Americana, Blues, Downtempo, Electronica and Pop manifest themselves into the listener’s stream of consciousness and then “Turn Around Loverboy” hits the unsuspecting listener with a bolt of lightning and thunder clap.  Organ, electric guitar, drum loops and a once-in-a-lifetime vocal offering from Gayle meld together in a grungy electronic melting pot that comes out sounding more like Massive Attack or Portishead.  This is *definitely* a track that you would hear on the BBC!  Think Trip-Hop + the “darker” side of love.

As Gayle brings the listener down from the clouds and back to sea level, Many Waters closes with the rich and lyrically affluent piece titled, “Open To Love”.  Boasting lyrics as well-crafted as, “in the light of an opal moon / salty breezes start to bloom”, it is easy to perceive that Gayle and her music is deeply connected within nature, intellect, being, and love.

“It is clearly evident that Gayle Cloud is a true master of her craft.” –Brian Ball, Music Editor
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