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Album reviews Music

Ruth Minnikin – The Minnikins’ Photo Album

Rating: NNNN


There’s an up-close intimacy to Ruth Minnikin’s newest album that, on first listen, is almost jarring. Her voice is right there in your ears, unadorned and honest, backed by lightly strummed guitars, quiet organ, soft drums, occasional horns and, best, the voices of her older brother, Gabriel, and younger sister, Amy.

As the album progresses, you realize this intimacy is its strength. Minnikin hides behind nothing and never tries to be something she isn’t. We’ve known this about her since her days with the Guthries and the Heavy Blinkers, yet it’s even truer here, on a solo album steeped in family lore. She conceived of it while perusing old family photos, letters and songs, and spent a year of Thursdays reminiscing and singing hymns with her grandmother.

The seven calm and steady songs envelop you in wintry warmth, and a surprising soulfulness creeps into the final tracks. Marine Band puts brother Gabriel’s amazing reverberating baritone front and centre, while, on Letters For You, Minnikin delivers one of her most beautiful vocal performances yet.

Top track: All The Ones I Love

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