Folk Radio UK

“The New England based singer and songwriter Elsie Gawler’s self-penned debut album is a real family affair. Throughout the nine tracks, various Gawler family members and the local community feature heavily. And it is in this display of life-long relationships, heartfelt connections, and the connectedness of community that the album really shines. It’s an album rich in banjo, fiddle, and harmonious voices and folk singing at its very best.

The album opens with the buoyant Can you hear me call to you. It is a fine little tune that introduces the audience to Gawler’s crystal clear, harmonious voice and aptly sets the scene for a charming homespun album, filled with themes on love, nature, community, and hope.

Title track Sweet As Honey is a joyful love song – a celebration of the heart. It has the feel of an old song; an ageless little track which has the feel of a Gawler classic in the making. Quickly followed by the equally pleasing Dip and Sway it is clear the theme of Sweet As Honey is the joyousness of the heart and soul. ‘I hear you next to me in perfect harmony, let’s let the time slip away’ sings Gawler in a song accompanied by her sister Molly, with the simple cello of Gawler and the bass of Noah Fishman creating a soft, hypnotic rhythm.

Spring On The Mountain roots us back to the earth with the warm bluegrass banjo courtesy of Gawler herself. Another track that feels unrooted in time, both old and new in a beautiful balancing act. A celebration of the air, light and nature of the season and the timelessness of the experience.

Don’t forget to sing is an invitation to join in. A thank you to those who have supported Gawler but also a celebration of song; the sheer life-affirming practice of singing. An inspiring little tune, one that is clearly, if not already, a fan favourite at gigs.

Acknowledging the debt to her family, Papa’s My Witness is a thanks to Gawler’s father, and family in general, for all their support. No conflict, nor dispute evident here in the Gawler familial relationships – simply a celebration and salutation of close relationships and the benefit to the soul of community. It’s an innocent, but entirely captivating coming together.

Close Your Eyes finishes where the album started, a dreamy little love song, almost a lullaby. Most of the family join in vocal harmony to accompany Gawler’s banjo.

Bonus track Alexander Beetle is a cute little treat, a recording of the eleven-year-old Elsie Gawler singing the Melanie Safka song. It is an innocent, playful, and entirely enchanting piece of whimsy which manages to be both a nostalgic nod to the past and a premonition of the jewels to come in exactly the right measures.

Sweet As Honey as an apt title for such a pleasing album. An album filled with themes of metaphorical journeys, the happiness of community and the soul-affirming warmth of the earth, it is a jubilant, inspiring, and genuine feel-good album – much needed in these troubled days. One to savour.”