Anglo-Irish dream rock trio KEELEY are back with their third conceptual work. ‘Girl on the Edge of the World’ which takes the shape of “a film for the ear” from a unique perspective, that of teenage German backpacker Inga Maria Hauser, whose murder in Northern Ireland in April 1988 on her first solo adventure away from her parents, remains unsolved. It’s a case that lead singer Keeley Moss has been passionately keeping alive over the past decade through her work. On this latest album, Moss celebrates Inga’s mission to see the world and takes the listener on a journey through the mists of time, creating sound pictures with words, music and in places, excerpts from Inga’s own diary and postcards.
The wide eyed expectation of the journey from Inga`s home to the exciting eager anticipated arrival in England and new opportunities plays over a melodic eighties-tinged synth undertone melded with some psychedelic tinges on the opening salvo `Hungry For The Prize`. There`s a more racing driving guitar and bass led feel to `Crossing Lands` which coveys the kind “are we there yet?” excitement of the journey and perceived forthcoming adventure.
`Trains and Daydreams` features Simon “Sice” Rowbottom from The Boo Radleys and is just that, a dreamy nigh on illusory composition about arriving at Harwich and the journey to the capitol city. We have a further imaginative dreamy listen with `London Fields` with what sounds like orchestral strings whose title refers to a park in Hackney, London, although the name also refers to the immediate area in Hackney surrounding it and London Fields station.
There`s a slow burn ambience to `London Underground` which seems to recollect Inga`s reflections on travelling on this famous rapid transit system. Miki Berenyi from Lush, Piroshka, and MB3 shares vocals with Keeley on `Big Brown Eyes which is quite ethereal and shimmering imagining the inner thoughts of this adolescent young lady.
The tranquil `Who Wants To See The World` has kind of rhetorical outlook and closes with some glittering guitar riffs while title track `Girl On The Edge Of The World` has a faraway ambience and ponders a life full of hope and expectant adventures.
`To Bring You Back` is another elusive offering which touches on arriving in Larne, Northern Ireland. We have an initially more acoustic submission with `Fell In Love With A Ghost` which may possibly be Keeley Moss`s own connection with this tragic tale. The number gains depth as it evolves and reiterates that someone must know the truth as to what happened but won`t speak out.
`The Movie Of our Yesterdays` has a delightful restrained tribal percussive beat allowing Keeley`s reflective vocals a platform to express some solemn thoughts on a life cut short. The final piece `Daydreams and Trains` begins with a plea for information about Inga`s disappearance before vocals share a contemplation on almost how life continues despite Inga`s absence but confirming that this artist won`t forget her. The number concludes with a sippet of Inga singing `Country Roads` which allows a strange poignancy at the ending of this conceptual creation.
Once again with ‘Girl on the Edge of the World’, singer and guitarist Keely Moss has created a permanent powerful homage to a young life tragically cut short aided by Alan Maguire on Keyboards, programming, bass, additional guitars, Lukey Foxtrot on bass, additional Keyboards and Andrew Paresi on drums.
Rating 8.5/10
