FRANCES

Today’s tip comes from mono-monikered self-confessed “piano woman” Frances. Taken from her forthcoming eponymous EP, ‘Grow’ is a delicate and heartfelt ballad which showcases her perfectly-intonated voice and elegant way with a handful of keys.

I think I hear a bass in the background, and there’s the odd synthesised beat, but this is mostly a solo effort, the impact primarily coming from countless layers of vocal, which generates a quite memorable climax.

In ‘Grow’s grandiose pop there’s hints of Florence, and the piano-led arrangement inevitably recalls memories of Elton John when he was good. Modern and yet timeless then – not an easy trick to pull off.

Words by Martin Sharman

Tip by Chris Smith at Trellis Records