Album Review: Jack Carty & Gus Gardiner - Hospital Hill

Jack Carty has always had a way of pouring his heart out in an exceptional manner, and Hospital Hill does just that, and more. The emotion in Carty's voice is ignited with help from a beautiful array of string instruments, including Gus Gardiner's astounding cello skills.

"Words are useless, words are weak" sings Carty on opening track Facing South, a line that couldn't be further from the truth when it comes to this record. It's the honesty and poignancy on tracks such as Hotel Rooms, Low In The Highlands or the epic romance found in Apple Tree that will stop you in your tracks. Antipodes is haunting, romantic and tragic all at once as Carty sings of the turmoils of travelling when you've found true love. As the slow melodies wind down, the final track Stargazer will lift your spirits with a slightly more upbeat tone from Carty.

The tender and harmonious voice of Carty alongside the magical string sounds of guitar, cello and violin will leave you mesmerised. The collaboration between Carty's luminous vocals and Gardiner's cello is exquisite, making Hospital Hill Carty's finest record yet.