The most striking thing on this 8-track album is the incredibly different sounds Sarah Turk evokes from that voice of hers. Through the first four tracks she channels the vocal talents of Martha Wainwright, Juanita Stein, Donna Simpson, and Scout Niblett and with it the different emotional range of each of these singers.
The songs show a great range in Turk's song writing as she covers the ground between band rock on Marlborough, the understated electric guitar style that Cat Power and Niblett have made their own on 'Pepper Tree Road', and the folk acoustic of 'Well Seasons they Change'. The juxtaposition of the electric and the subtle acoustic on 'The Wind Has Taken Me' compliments the tone of the duet with Turin Robinson wonderfully, the atmospheric guitar break aches on the same level as the two vocal lines. 'Mirrors and Smoke, I'm Dancing With the Ghost'. starts of with the subtle picked electric before breaking in to a reverb laced band arrangement, retreating to Turk solo and returning to the band. It's wonderful.
All this different ranging and playing to different styles and arrangements is often an artists' downfall. By spreading themselves too thin, or by trying to adapt too many styles, the songs suffer. Their own style is hidden and manipulated, never capturing the personality of the performer or the song. Turk sidesteps this brilliantly simply because she doesn't waver in her songwriting, as anyone who has seen her live will attest. The arrangements serve the songs first and foremost. That is the strength behind Bird to Prey, and certainly the strength behind this release.
Bird to Prey: Press
Tonight’s support at the East Brunswick Club is Bird To Prey aka Sarah Turk, who gets the room’s attention with her strong singing vocals and acoustic guitar. Sarah has such power in her voice for a small lass! She hails from Fremantle and puts on a fantastic display tonight, her music rich with ooh’s , blended with deep throaty growls. Her music could be described as acoustic roots with blues and a smidge of country rock thrown in. Sarah has a fantastic voice and is a fabulous support for tonight’s main act.
The evening's entertainment was opened by Sarah Turk, almost diminutive, almost meek, but possessing a voice that captivated even the most conversationalist of the audience. At times seeming to pinch melodies from Heartbreaker-era Ryan Adams or early Tom Waits, and who could blame her, her minimalist guitar playing and swagger served her balladry brilliantly.
Support was lent in the form of Sarah Turk, who must be tired of comparisons to Holly Throsby, because while they fit, Turk expresses herself with an astute gentleness. Her delicate, quiet songs drew the attention of the crowd, which as we all well know, is rare for support acts. To say they are pretty, is not to imply they are simplistic, rather when coupled with Turk's obvious deft songwriting and her honey voice become well, pretty. And one has to wonder, just why it is that Sarah Turk is a relative unrecognised name, and yet female artists that creates work of far less merit (I'm looking at you Missy Higgins) receive a gazillion ARIA's.
Bird to Prey performed in the Next Big Thing Band Comp on June 20, 2008
The Next Big Thing is Western Australia's richest band competition
and one of the States major musical events. NBTWA gives contemporary
musicians and solo acts around WA a chance national exposure and to be
seen and heard by key industry players.
Below is an overview of what the judges had to say
BIRD TO PREY
Quote - A great dynamic created through a creative mix of power and
fragility!!
The judges thought Bird to Prey blended various styles of music and and made your sound your own, the material was strong, great poetic lyrics, good arrangements and some soaring moments musically.
You displayed good use of dynamics and though your act is small in
numbers it is large in presence and this transferred over to the audience.
TOP JOB!!