…it’s the ageing process that has us all in its grasp, yet in Gretchen’s case it seems to have sharpened her pen all the more, as Blackbirds wears its dark heart on its sleeve and Gretchen draws on a grand tradition of documenting these noirish tales and the fragility of life in the most compelling terms. This is without doubt a brilliantly crafted record, earning Gretchen her place amongst a roll call of real singer songwriter greats and there are probably good psychological reasons why we like our singers to report from the shadows, because perversely perhaps, Blackbirds is hugely enjoyable as well. The thrill is the frisson you feel, but then, as Gretchen sings, “The cure for the pain is the pain,” so take your medicine.

To read this review in its entirety, visit FRUK’s website.