Tracey Redhead - Walking Home a Different Way
Perfect Sun Records
By Amanda Levingston
Isn't it great to see some young musicians with some determination and drive? Tracy Redhead (yes, that's her real name and hair colour) taught herself how to play the guitar at age fifteen and by the time she was nineteen she was touring through Western Australia with John Butler. Now in her twenties, she's released her debut solo album after moving to New South Wales and she plays most of the instruments on Sydney label Perfect Sun's new release, 'Walking Home a Different Way'. It's enough to make you feel lazy.
What's she's created is a whimsical album, layered with cheery guitars and sincere lyrics. Showing maturity beyond her age, Redhead sings about war and the struggles facing immigrants in the oddly titled 'Afternooning'; a depressing subject she's turned into a surprisingly mellow song.
Don't expect every track to be like this, though. The majority of the album is quite laid back but she leaves her comfort zone in 'Crossroads' and 'Together Or Alone', going for a more breathless sound and showing a more versatile side to her singing. Each track is like a turning the corner in a secret garden and discovering some new treasure to make you glad that you entered it.