Flowing through a range of emotions and themes, ‘Near From Goose Town’ is an evocative showcase of Dawn’s sense for relatability and intimacy.

Omam Dawn, the moniker of London-based folk musician Amy Dawn, brings together an eclectic array of tracks on her debut album, ‘Near From Goose Town’. Floating between soft folk songs about Dawn’s hometown Gosport (aka Goose Port), haunting tales of faraway shores and more demanding pieces tackling political subjects, the debut charts a storied journey as mood and music switch and change like a gently flowing river turning suddenly rapid and then back again.

Opening with ‘Telescope’, tender flute weaves and wraps its way around fingerpicked acoustic guitar whilst Dawn softly delivers vocals that evoke a sense of longing and distance. The entire composition is light as a feather falling to earth from a dove’s tail as it takes flight into the unknown from the safety of its nest hidden amongst the trees. Following on, we are greeted by the cheery guitar of ‘Golden Tooth’, with melodies unfolding and uplifting as they bob along gently downstream, as if not a single worry exists in that current moment. By the time we reach the third track entitled ‘River Song’, (which brings to mind Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hey, That’s No Way To Say Goodbye’ thanks to Dawn’s opening vocal melody) Dawn’s ability to create a flow and feeling has already exposed itself with the pure intimacy usually reserved for those you truly love.

The second half of ‘Near From Goose Town’ continues to showcase Dawn’s nature for articulate writing which strikes deeper than the surface enjoyment of listening. There is an emotional vulnerability on show and it is not only relatable but also therapeutic for the listener. To assume making the music is therapeutic for Dawn, it is of the same effect for the audience as you connect with the art which the singer-songwriter creates. For example, when ‘Mystery Unkind’ fills the air with warm and rich piano, Dawn’s vocals linger longingly as they drift amongst a cold breeze and express feelings surrounding a lover now gone. Before long the track is joined by bass guitar and flute, adding to its minimalistic quality without muddying the waters. You find yourself there with Dawn as she expresses a yearning for something once special. Giving rise to different emotions and feelings in such short spaces of time, Dawn’s debut album creates truly thought-provoking and evocative music which moves the listener and instantly creates a connection in a way which often only the particular melancholy of folk music can.

Closing with ‘Fallen Star’, guitar harmoniously bobs downstream with a slightly more upbeat feeling, perhaps of acceptance, as if a life of ease and comfort just might not be so far away. Dawn’s cadence reflects this feeling as she sings in pretty melodies which feel more optimistic, yet still have a lingering gloominess. Recorded at Sam Beer Studios (formerly Soup Studios) and released via Thread Snake Collective, ‘Near From Goose Town’ in Dawn’s own words is an album which acts as a homage to the girl who turned into a woman, and the woman who turned into a goose.