What does Johanna Warren sound like?

Bridging the gap between alternative rock and psychedelic folk.

The review of Johanna Warren – The Rockfield Sessions Vol 1

Upon hearing the news that Johanna Warren was stepping back from the music business full-time, I was incredibly sad. Over the course of six albums, she’s moved effortlessly between faery folk, alt-rock, grungy anthems and emotionally wrenching acoustic ballads. Johanna has commanded them all and continued to be a unique voice in the music business. To round off this last decade, Warren recorded 28 songs at Rockfield in Wales. This first volume gives us 13 stripped-back gems to enjoy from the sessions.

The live recording has a timeless quality to it that reminds me of classic folk songwriters of the 60s. There is nothing here but Johanna’s voice and her guitar. Johanna has nowhere to hide and the intimate recording gives both instruments a rich, full-bodied sound. After the opening vocal only new track ‘The Garden’, ushers the listener in with a beautiful Irish chant, we are off into classic singer-songwriter territory. The delicate delivery of ‘Lunar Landing’ settles the nerves with a sublime rendition in ballad form. ‘Hopelessness Has Done Nothing For Me’ and ‘True Colors’ really showcase the psyche side of Warren’s work. Both have a dynamic bounce and wriggle to them that reminds me of Karen Carpenter and hidden gems like Linda Perhacs. When removed from the grungier record sound, it reminds you just how pristine Johanna’s voice is. Add in the charming whistles on the meditative drones of ‘Mine to Take’ and you will be utterly charmed.

As the live session unfolds, we pick off songs from across Warren’s earlier career. We have some gorgeous vocal operatics with ‘This is Why’ and light open strums of pensive tentativeness that build into a crescendo with ‘Pin Oaks’. Reflective tones lead the mood with ‘Cause or Effect’ whilst rustic arpeggios give ‘Both Worlds’ pace and verve. After eight acoustic guitar and vocal tracks, Johanna switches to piano for a sublime version of ‘Circlenot Astraight’. Whilst it stands out instrumentally, it’s Johanna’s harsher vocal delivery that brings the chills in a different way to the more melancholic original. This live rendition feels more defiant. It’s funny how time and performance can change a song’s meaning…

Volume 1 rounds off with three more stunning stripped-back reworks of older tracks. ‘Everyone I Know’ passes by quickly but the two longest tracks are saved for the end. Warren’s classic ‘Black Moss’ showcases her love for key-clashing moments dressed in graceful melodies. If you are going to start anywhere, this is a quintessential track to begin with as it shows what makes her craft stand out. To one-two sucker-punch you, closing track ‘Let Me Stay’ finger picks and gently gallops its way into your heart and soul with its honest declarations of love, loss and devotion.

As someone who hasn’t been able to get to a single live show in 2023, this album is a true gift. With this intimate approach, all of Johanna’s songwriting and performing abilities are on full glorious display. It sits up on the top tier of musical releases in 2023 and one of my favourite as-live recordings I’ve heard in the last decade. Captivating from start to end, I cannot wait for Volume 2 which is due early 2024. If you buy one acoustic folk album in 2023 – make it this one. A perfect ten.

Recommended track: Black Moss

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