Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
“Here’s a heart for your troubled times”… that’s the message that resonates with me on Amber’s debut, taken from her song, "Mr Two Lines".
At 10 years, it’s been a long time in production, but Amber has produced a thick-skinned, autobiographical reflection of her life journey this far, now that she’s got somewhere to call home. Amber seems a simple girl: she loves her family, friends and places that make her feel special… and she loves to write and sing about it.
Just smile and get the hard work done so you can get home to those important people, she says in "Hell of a Day" and "Mad Again" and you’ll enjoy that Jim Beam at the end of a long day as in "Letters". Amber projects this simplicity through maturity on this historical chronicle.
She’s admitting her mistakes but realises what’s important in her life, with an emphasis on emotionally raw, poetic lyrics backed by strong folk-rock guitar.
She’s grazed her knees and she’s been hurt, but is now thick-skinned and has had time to reflect on the things that have seen her care for special people and turn into someone she can look in the eye in the mirror.
It’s a recording not only of words and music but the history behind the folk-rock tunes. It shows that there’s always so much more behind the three verses and a chorus song formula.
"Simple Complication", "Purple Fingers" and "Sapphire Eyes" (the “do, do, do’s” are perfect!) are standouts, along with "Creep and Loom" and the main single "Stupid Kinda Nasty", (though the piano distracted from the true message in these gems, reflecting more of a pop sheen, when there’s such a dirty folk base to record. But then I’m just a guitarist.)
As implied by the title, the album’s poetry ranges from recently written numbers to decade-old pieces and this is also reflected in the disc’s great cover art, encapsulating the whole album adage.
When first opening the CD, you’re greeted with a vision of Amber looking back as she walks down the train tracks in Orange, symbolising how she is looking back on her journey and how all her travelling around has led her to the central west.
Pictures of Amber’s family and friends and her past performances show just how raw and emotional this historical record is, also showing how much she cares and how hard she works to make good art.
This album has been done the hard way but the right way, and deserves respect. You should take the time out to sit down and fully focus on these solid reflections of her life journey this far.
- Ashlea Maher
- Stix Magazine Feb 2007
Discography
"One Iota and Everthing the Follows" - Amber Cashel, Aftershock Records, distributed by Green Media Distribution - a division of MGM
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Amber Cashel is the 25 year old daughter of a truckie and a hippie - a middle child born into a generation of Rage TV, Doc Martins & Big Days Out. Her original songs reflect her youth, drawing on inspiration from the sounds of everyone from Neil Young to Ani Di Franco, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, PJ Harvey and Tori Amos.
This is the sound that is making people stop, listen and want more.
Triple J gave Amber the thumbs up in 1999, making her the main subject of the nationally aired "Unearthed" documentary on ABC TV - an insight into the lives of young musicians in the Central West.
In 2001, she crept into the hearts and lounge rooms of thousands of Channel V viewers with a live performance of "Creep & Loom" (featured on her new album).
Now living in Orange, she can also be found on the "4loor, 1st Gear" compilation CD - a showcase of NSW Central West musicians.
Aftershock Records proudly introduces Amber Cashel, with her debut album "One Iota & Everything That Follows" (available in all good CD stores thanks to our friends at Green Media Distribution - a division of MGM). She's currently on the road promoting her debut release and is bound to be in a suburb or town near you soon.
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