These Fine Moments - Season 10
Self-released
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Every now and then an album comes along that palpably captures the fragility of beauty and the longing for a spaciousness that can embrace our loneliness, our shared disillusionment, and our shared hopes and dreams. These Fine Moments, the duo of 
Hilary Kaufmann and Robert Watts, deliver their fifth album named to celebrate ten years since they first got together as a musical act. Their name is essentially a tongue-in-cheek reference to their less-than-sunny lyrical content. With zero pretention and 100 percent dedication the pair have built a loyal following with their no frills live shows and songs that speak to the heart of everyone. In a sense then, SEASON 10 is, understandably, a much-anticipated undertaking. True to form, the album combines folk, pop, classic singer-songwriter and lyrical storytelling to give us a sound that feels simultaneously fresh and familiar. The two weave their voices and instruments together adroitly throughout and with the assistance of the supporting musicians—producer Mark Hallman (bass, drums, electric, acoustic guitars, percussion, keyboards and vocals). Andre Moran (guitar) and Ken Stringfellow (electric guitars, piano, Wurlitzer and Hammond B3) - they create a rich blend of winsomeness and engaging enthusiasm despite the often dark lyricism.
Their songs boast feelings of both reflection and resolve, as well as sentiment and assurance. The chiming guitars and widescreen empyrean atmospherics of Beneath the Storm marks the end of a bleak journey through the bucolic American landscape. Alison Says is a sad tale of one person’s life challenges. Stately mid-tempo musings on facing up to the uncertainties of life and relationships come to the fore in the heartfelt Stage Fright as they draw on arched emotions and allow their inherent sincerity to shine through. The tenderest tunes Into The Water and Fairweather Friends were clearly conceived and imbued with a sense of purpose and inspiration, feelings that are especially evident on this pair of beautiful serenades. The jangly folk-pop of Million To One is a throwback to the 1960s. Soaked in sun-drenched harmonies that are underpinned by a gorgeous rhythm, the song’s lush, languid beauty is irresistible. The yearning instrumentation and from-the-heart lyrics of The Safe Word are all about the bittersweet feeling of being in a dysfunctional relationship.
These Fine Moments’ SEASON 10 imbues our world with a crystalline beauty.
Producer Mark Hallman layers their tight harmonies, cascading guitar riffs, tinkling piano chords and swirling keyboards perfectly to create beautiful melodic spaces.
Their versatility is impressive and their willingness to experiment with tone and beat, they transcend the limitations of a folk-pop duo, creating a wonderfully complete album.
February 2021