We join Nicki Wells at the end of a long and winding road, one that began at the end of last year with the release of her debut single ‘Carry On’. Since then, we’ve enjoyed the pleasant company of this singer, songwriter, musician, composer and producer as she has gradually unwrapped the serene gift that is her creativity. Where we’ve now met the British-based artist is as at the release of her debut album, titled Ellipsis, which we’d like to go through track by track with you.
Like a precious lotus flower, the album opens with ‘Never Will’, a fragile and honest story of missed connections and star-crossed lovers. If this if your first introduction to Nicki Wells, you’ll most likely be in awe of the tonal quality of her gently lilting voice as it tip-toes over the soothing piano. The pacing of the keys changes as we roll into the album’s second single ‘Pavement’. Here the themes of longing and lost love continue, although with a more complex backdrop thanks to the drums and violins. Next, comes along a familiar friend in ‘Carry On’, which showcases more of that time-worn and muted toned piano evoking hope, warmth, beauty and serenity.
The biggest switch in style arrives in fourth track ‘The Night’, a dreamlike manifestation of Eastern melodies combined with Western composition styles. We particularly enjoy how Wells‘ controlled vocals trail up and down those scales. The album then treats us to a contrast with ‘She Made You Feel Something’, an earthy, folky number with hand-clap percussion and warm layered vocals that draws comparison to contemporary americana. The record returns to the dreamy, haunting storytelling style in ‘Holy Smoke’. It’s an incredibly resonant track that sits at the heart of the album, beating away with all the divine-like intensity that characterises Nicki Wells‘ creative passion.
Our entry into the second-half of Ellipsis is guided by ‘Sidelines’, a quiet gem of ambient meditation that exposes more of Wells‘ emotionally intelligent songwriting. It’s charming to hear how her style works with an acoustic guitar, making us imagine how magical a live set would be. We then return again to the familiar territory of previously featured single ‘I Have Longed To Be Here’, a mesmerizing piece that incorporates traditional Indian and Bulgarian folk music, denoting her international upbringing. Those globally inspired sounds continue into ‘Silent One’, with the singer even confessing that she’s “travelled far” in her years on earth. There’s that subtle americana undertone again in the guitar, but with a much more cinematic flair thanks to the sweeping violins.
The beginning of the end for this album is ‘You’re Alright Kid’, a sensitive message to one’s inner child from the perspective of all the life-lessons and worldly knowledge that we naturally acquire. There’s a certain lullaby quality to this track, especially with Wells‘ deeper tones. Her vulnerability dovetails nicely into penultimate track ‘Warrior’. With war-like drums and calls to battle, this song feels insistent and uplifting, a theme that’s verified by the lyrics that encourage the listen to embrace life.
And with that, we’ve reached the closing song and title track ‘Ellipsis’, one that challenges everything you previously thought about Nicki Wells‘ style. The pulsating beat combined with ambient neo-classical sounds is utterly captivating; at this point it’s important to remind you that the album is entirely self-produced. Once again, her voice taps into the world music influences for a dose of pure expression and an “opportunity for pause.”
Overall, Ellipsis is a record of pure wonderment, pulling out the full pantheon of emotions and leaving the listener with a sense of calm.
You can find focus track ‘Never Will’ in our Folk This Way playlist.
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