Loshak's voice is a seductive one, soft and winning but never too sugary, her terrific sense of melody ensures you're never bored, and her song structures are fluid and engaging. She never stays on a verse for too long (such a common sin among songwriters these days). "China Doll¹s lovely melodies, ethereal harmonies and brooding mood combine to make a classic pop song; "Don't Wait" is a rich country-ish ballad; "Something Inside" is a dancing, sprightly two-minute gem with a childlike vocal, a bouncy bass line and surprising instrumental flourishes; "Fire" is an achingly romantic song, Loshak's breathy high-register voice slowly tugging at the heartstring while her rumbling bass provides an earthy contrast; "Won't You Love Me"'s fleet-footed melodies latch right onto your ears; and "Beautiful Night"'s Eastern-sounding bass line (doubled on guitar) and haunting keyboards evoke the midnight heebie-jeebies uncannily. With the quality of the songwriting and that beautiful voice, I'd dust off my CD walkman anytime.


October 27, 2001. Laurie Thayer. Rambles.
When Rachel Loshak came to the United States from Suffolk in 1995, England lost a talented artist. Settling in New York City, she began performing in live venues, which she still does regularly. Her first CD was Here I Am in 1999. Firefly is her second release.

Loshak's voice is high, delicate and ever-so-slightly breathy. She matches it with quiet understated percussion and bass lines on guitar and cello to create an interesting and unique sound. Her music is clean and spare. She chooses not to obstruct the lilt and flow of her melodies with the embellishments favored by so many artists, and so her music can actually be heard and appreciated for itself, rather than the technical expertise she surely possesses. It is also interesting to note that while Loshak must have an accent when she speaks, it does not come across in her singing.

Her lyrics possess a quiet strength, especially on "China Doll" ("I will be picking up the pieces and I will glue them on my own") and "Something Inside" ("Something inside me doesn't want to drown"). The world has its ups and downs, but she can handle it and she can take care of herself.

Firefly, with its quiet melodies and Loshak's delicate singing, is a welcome change from the vocal acrobatics of many adult-contemporary/soft-rock artists.