Winter Deep by Crystal Jacqueline

Dayz of Purple and Orange review: 'Winter Deep', the new single from Crystal Jacqueline, also another mainstay of both Fruits de Mer and Mega Dodo labels (her version of Jefferson's Airplane's 'White Rabbit' on the FdM 'Crystal Jacqueline and The Honeypot' single is possibly one of the best cover versions I've heard). Crystal Jacqueline is the purveyor of lovely psych / psych folk and is blessed with a bewitching voice that ensnares listeners in multicoloured tendrils of dreamy melody.

The track 'Winter Deep' is a hazy psychedelic folk number; Jacqueline's vocals riding dreamily above some beautiful melancholic guitar. It is a truly beautiful song with vocals and gentle instrumentation that lull you into a state of relaxation and letting the pressure of everyday life slip from your shoulders...it should be prescribed as a remedy for stress. 'Feast Of Stephen' is another folk based number but one rooted in folk rock rather than pastoral musings. It has a experimental feel to it with the layering of vocals giving it a slight dissonent feel, but the track is none the worse for it. A live medley of 'Rainflower / Mary Waiting' brings it all to close. The vocals prove to be just as pin sharp live as they do in the studio, testament to Crystal Jacqueline's pure voice. 'Rainflower' is a simple folk number, just voice and acoustic guitar and sounds like a folk Cocteau Twins. The seamless segue into 'Mary Waiting' sees the tempo lifted and the acoustic strumming become more urgent but still with those lilting vocals.

The three tracks on the single showcase admirably the vocal skill of Crystal Jacqueline and her ability to capture and captivate an audience with her voice alone. A beautiful collection of songs.

Mega Dodo are pioneering the most significant and in terms of progression and originality, forward thinking psychedelic rebirth since the early 80s.
Dave Thompson: Goldmine Magazine

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