Quiet Glory by Tamsin Frost
A debut EP that soothes the soul.
Hi Pal,
Suppose you are new, welcome to this little corner. I got an early bird copy of Tamsin Frost’s debut EP and that’s why we are here today. Release Date: 6th September 2024
Before this EP, I’d been following Tamsin Frost’s music for a couple of years and I was surprised to find that the project had a thematic direction. Often, with new artists, a debut EP is a collection of songs released across a period that showcases their range and gives listeners a feel of their interests and the lyrical themes they are passionate about.
We may get something more expansive in future from Frost, but that is not what Quiet Glory is. This EP is born from a specific event/series of events and has a consistent theme and sonic palette.
‘I Am’ is sung from the perspective of God and it’s a song of comfort reminding the principal character — Tamsin Frost — of the presence of God in their circumstance. As with the other tunes on this project, there are scriptural references in the lyrics but it’s presented with a poetic face as she sings lines like;
…I’m entwined with your grief
And the tears that never leave
I’m the promise that brings victory…
In ‘Made For You’ we meet a character in a place that is at odds with themselves and what they believe God wants them to be. It’s a song that explores themes many Christians can relate to — a sense of inadequacy and the quiet frustration that comes with it as we continue on the journey of faith. Thankfully, it is a song that chooses not to wallow but ends on a hopeful note with a conscious reminder that we were created for God’s glory.
‘Mountains’ is a song with easy and soothing strums that uses nature imagery and comparisons to reflect how precious man is to God — particularly to the principal character — as she sings, “…you turned the world upside down, just to love me…”
‘Shelter’ reminds us of the rest and protection we have in our faithful God and if you listen closely, it’s easy to tell the Psalms that loosely inspire it. Musically, it is my favourite tune because some licks on the acoustic guitar here were quite interesting and expressive.
‘Space’ is the first song I heard from this project and I have already spoken about it in a previous post. It’s the song that comes the closest to expressing some of the pain that Tamsin Frost must have gone through that inspired this project. Yet, there seems to be a conscious effort by her not to dwell on the experiences. I believe that the primary reason she does this — in the whole project — is because she wants Jesus to be the focus of these mini-arcs in her story.
Speaking to Tamsin Frost, she mentioned that this project was inspired by a season of dealing with mental health challenges of OCD, suicidal thoughts and anxiety and if you listen closely you can spot those themes. However, louder than those “demons” are the words of encouragement, a finding of one’s worth and a celebration of God’s victory over tragic circumstances. I adore the folksy approach to the project — the production chops of Taylor Armstrong — and how she can reflect hope in a simplistic and meaningful way.
Genre(s): Indie Folk
Release Date: 6th September 2024
Connect with Tamsin Frost
That’s it for today.
Catch you soon!
Feel free to leave a comment. Also, I am always open to hearing from you so feel free to send an email to me at stismavo@gmail.com