Back to the Snape proms for the final time this year, this time to see and hear a performance of Herbert’s Sea Cabinet, based on the sights and sounds of the Aldeburgh coastline. Having said that, we didn’t get to see or hear Gwyneth for most of the first half of the concert, which was a tad surprising.
First up we had the Rubber Wellies duo, who performed three songs, then singer songwriter Fiona Bevan (who has shared writing credits with another local artist made good, Ed Sheeran). The Wellies were ok if unexceptional but for me I’m afraid that Bevan just has that timbre of voice with which I have nothing but trouble; add to that suspiciously unnecessary pitch changes and entirely rhythmic but unmelodic songwriting and I’ll have to pass – effective or affectation, you decide.
I have to say, I was also disappointed with the Sea Cabinet. It was interesting, with the odd moment of inspiration, and I’m glad I went, but for the most part I found it compositionally weak. It didn’t help that I couldn’t clearly discern the lyrics, which made the narrative impossible to follow. I know that the songs were themed around the source of the piece, but it was impossible to get a sense of the storylines. (I guess those who had already heard the album were at an advantage in that regard).
I also thought that the Heidi James prose was far from a strength, bordering on the pretentious. I’m keenly aware that the soundscapes produced were evocations of the sea and the activities that take place on and around it, but for me they were far from compelling. I can think of many other musical evocations of the sea and its effects, especially in the world of roots and folk, that are stronger and more emotionally involving. The Sea Cabinet has been described as ‘laments and shanties to stir the heart’ – it didn’t do it for me. But I’m sure this is a minority view. What do I know, I’m tone deaf and wouldn’t know a semibreve from a crotchet!