Gwyneth Moreland has two releases under her belt and is ready to introduce the world to her third. Ceilings, Floors, And Open Doors was written in her hometown of Mendocino, California. A rural town, Mendocino is sure to have served as inspiration for the album. With the help of bassist David Hayes and Karl Derfler, Moreland has developed a tracklist of folk and Americana-inspired tunes.
Moreland’s voice is pure and unadulterated, which helps it blend effortlessly as she seems to tell the story of her lyrics. The bass is prominent, even more so than the guitar, which speaks of the overall ambiance of the record. In terms of composition, things are simple, keeping uniform of other aspects. Lyrically, the album alludes to nature, and as she sings, you can find yourself daydreaming of open green pastures, howling winds moving through trees, and being out in nature.
“Camera” has a sultry tone that is expressed in the bassline and Moreland’s vocal delivery. A warm, familiar track, “Jumping Joan” even features a lyrical reference to the rhyme we’re taught in elementary school to remember the number of days in a month. Especially Americana, “The Fog” is an optimistic confession of love. Solemn “Little Black Flies” features Moreland’s pure vocals exquisitely in a stripped down, guitar-and-bass track, ending with an interesting modulation.
Simplicity can be beautiful, especially writing as a singer-songwriter, but I’ve found some of her best work is found when she adds a twist or depth. No need to complicate composition; to add minor embellishments would make her music sparkle as it does in some of the key songs that are featured.
In A Word: Modest
