With a quirky name, and an even more quirky execution, Claire Bradshaw’s ‘Stories That Never Happened’ is a lustrous piece of sunny and radiant new age folk loaded with astute lyricism, cheery energy, and constantly shifting soundscapes. The Bedford based singer-songwriter has a charm to her that lends to her music being intrinsically endearing. From the opening track, ‘Counterfeit History, you get immediately regaled into a rather simple instrumental backdrop with an equally straightforward melody. But sometimes it’s in the well established that the most wonderful comes through. ‘Stories That Never Happened’ is a folk revival record almost, a reminder that good old fashioned song writing, driven by intriguing lyricism and delectably infectious harmonies remains eternal.
Bradshaw’s DIY aesthetic, combining the lo-fi elements and more raw recording styles with a foundational folk structure makes for a lane she sits distinctively in. The rather cutting and sharp riff on a track like ‘Boots In The Right Place’ just exudes attitude and swagger. Bradshaw’s own vocal performance, irresistibly confident and loaded with style is far removed from the soft and sappy folk you might be more accustomed to. She has swagger, an undeniable vision for her work, and a penchant for penning tunes that are as intriguing as they are infectious.
Having already impressed lo-fi legend, Stevie Moore, there isn’t much in the form of adulations that I could give Bradshaw that would surpass that badge of honour. But from the most sincere part of my own affinity towards this style of music, Bradshaw’s stylistic tendencies and confidence just exude a sense of joyfulness that demands you to experience it in full. A wonderfully different piece.