Review: ‘Razor Blade Smile’ – Emily Duff

Duff’s latest record shows off her songwriting capabilities with catchy chorus’, sung by earthy vocals, set to a high end groove driven production. Whether it’s the rockabilly shuffle of Flying Paper planes, the stripped-back, longing sound of Feelin’ Alright, or the sultry tones of Don’t Hang The Moon, Duff injects emotion into each song as the lyrics pour out. Meanwhile, the rock-leaning title track ramps up the energy and introduces us to Duff’s feisty side, there is more freedom in her gritty vocals on this track as she adapts to the urgency and emotion of the song. However the stand out for me comes in the form of Done and Done which lets the organ, a sound we often hear in classic country records, play a central role within the song. The production feels nostalgic and supports Duff’s mix of rock n roll and country-soul along with her vocal technique throughout the album so credit must be given to Eric ‘Roscoe’ Ambel, who produced the record. Concluding with the 6/8 time Nicotine and Waiting, which is lyrically one of the strongest on the album – it paints a vivid picture in the listeners mind – the album is Duff’s finest to date.