25 Trips
Sierra Hull makes more room around her mandolin on 25 Trips. The arrangements are fuller than on Weighted Mind and introduce new sounds, but her clear singing matters as much as the instrumental work. The album moves between bluegrass, folk and more accessible songs without losing its character.
Beautifully Out Of Place immediately gives that combination a purpose. Hull sings about self-doubt while the music expands beyond bare accompaniment. The instruments add movement without pushing the voice aside. It is a personal opening which fits the concerns of the later lyrics.
How Long opens the sound further. Fiddle leads the way before the other parts make the song more forceful. Clear vocal lines and lively shared playing keep its direction firm. The title track takes a more playful rhythmic approach. Its movement changes several times within a short running time, with the mandolin remaining a recognisable centre.
The sound of that instrument is especially rewarding. Notes have a warm, full attack and stay clear among the strings. The backing contains enough small rhythmic details to do more than hold the chords together. Meanwhile, the voice has room to become quieter or more prominent.
Ceiling To The Floor uses a gentler delivery suited to its words about fear and finding confidence. Closing track Father Time brings the subject of passing time back towards something simple and human. Its atmosphere has a hymn-like quality, and the music allows the words the patience they need.
25 Trips presents Hull as a rounded songwriter and performer. The skilled playing remains easy to follow because melody and voice retain their place. Fuller arrangements expand her range while keeping the acoustic foundation close. This is a warm, carefully made record where technique and personal songs strengthen each other.
