Flora Algera has only been on the scene for a couple of years, but already she’s showing a fantastic talent for songwriting and performing! Before moving towards the country rock genre, Flora was previously an opera singer, picking up the guitar during a stay in a rehabilitation facility.
By Jane Howkins
Flora has clearly taken to the guitar like a duck to water, if the songs on her recent album release (Once Upon a Time in the West) are anything to go by! It’s a heartfelt record with an outlaw country/blues sound, displayed well in lead single Ben. The guitarwork is really impressive for a relative newcomer to the style, combining a penchant for melody and heavy riffs throughout the tune. Flora even unleashes her operatic side towards the end, making for a surprising turn that works wonders.
Belmont is another highlight, taking things in a slightly different direction. It’s much more stripped down than Ben, taking on a dreamy, almost eerie quality that is perpetuated by the creeping guitar licks. The percussion has a nice minimalist style too, allowing Flora’s vocals to really shine through here. May’s Lullaby might just be my favourite track of the three, opening with some glorious acoustic arpeggios, adding an retro sound into the record. It’s another understated tune, but it really is beautiful, perfect for relaxing to at the end of the day.
Check out the full record below!