IGLOO HEARTS
Eyes Closed Against The Sun
Katie and James MacGregor formed Igloo Hearts after meeting at open-mic session. Since then, the duo has been making beautifully sophisticated folk pop together, now collected on their debut album Eyes Closed Against The Sun.
Prior to their fortuitous encounter, James had operated as a solo artist, having supported the likes of Oysterband and Nick Harper. Katie, on the other hand is a classically trained pianist, appearing on Channel 4’s The Piano programme and drawing high praise for her keyboard skills, which are now a distinguishing feature of the Igloo Hearts sound.
Their songs offer a deep emotional honesty, tackling subjects such as infertility and loss through miscarriage, which they credit as being the motivation for their music as well as a means of dealing with their own feelings of loss. Beyond that, the couple blend intricate guitar with image conjuring piano, adding voices in harmony, serving up what is a rich yet delicate recipe.
Besides the glimpses into their very personal experiences, there are other stories to be told, a pilgrimage to Graceland, journeys to be made before it is too late whether real or metaphorical, and impressionistic, ethereal conjurings of times and place – try Mountain Song for starters. Even when the lyrical content is raw and it truly is at times, it is the sense of sharing that lifts the songs far above a litany of despair.
It is also to their credit that, as well as their musical offerings, they are also giving back to the community from which they emerged. In addition to their own musical journey within the folk world, their curating of The Blue Lantern Sessions in Chester is giving opportunities and a voice to other artists. Just as igloos can be a place of heat in a desperately cold place, the duo radiate their own warmth. Pull up close and feel it when you can.
PS a quick word for the album artwork, every bit as intriguing and evocative as the music it surrounds.
Eyes Closed Against The Sun