Search - Kirsty Hawkshaw :: O.U.T. (On Ultimate Things)

An etherial journey.

Sakis | San Diego, originally Greece | 09/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kirsty Hawkshaw is the voice behind the band Opus III, a band that became extremely popular in Europe in 1992 with their hit "It's a Fine Day" and later on in 1994 with their songs "When You Made The Mountain", "Dreaming Of Now" and "Hand In Hand". Well this album isn't in the style of Opus III, musically, so you won't find any club anthems here, just the pure crystal clear voice of Kirsty, in some very emotional, esoteric, thoughtful songs. Kirsty's voice is SO unique, one could compare her to many well known singers such as Sinead O'Connor (on "Chapter 8"), Bjork (on "Cyclone"), Dido or Portishead. The CD is jazzy at times, and at times very mellow with beautiful etherial piano compositions. I absolutely love the acappella bonus track, where it showcases Kirsty's high note hitting voice. She is definitely an artist that deserves more fame and recognition. I must say I find the song "Mercury" very emotional. This album is full of feeling, experimentation, and overall a good listen for all fans of modern music. I loved her in Opus III ever since I lived in Greece and I love her now solo, hopefully we'll hear more from her in the future, in any form of music, electronica or pop. Her collaboration with BT on the song "Dreaming" is also noteworthy, but if you'd like a more mellow listen I strongly suggest this album."

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ALBUM OF ALL TIME

ROMARIC | FRANCE | 10/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First time I have heard Kirsty it was with the video of "sci-clone". My mental things were like in a earthquake. UNBELIEVABLE. In france it's very hard to find her cd "O-U-T", but i have it now. This album is so pure, full of feelings (often sads), with a eternal dimension who come through your brain and stay for the life. "Mercury" is the most beautiful song never released by an artist. Note the other ones fabulous songs : "Sci-Clone" , "On Ultimate Things" and "Orange". In one word , the album "O-U-T" is THE album of all time. Kirsty we love you , your voice is a medic for this poor earth so sick."

A rare beauty, sensual and surreal

Richard Stoehr | Bremerton, WA USA | 05/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found Kirsty Hawkshaw, as many have, through her vocals with the now-defunct band Opus III. While I love the music on Opus III's two albums ("Mind Fruit" and "Guru Mother"), I was most struck by the etheral, subtly powerful voice that sang for almost every song. I made a mental note of her name, and in the intervening time I heard her vocals sampled for music by Orbital, as well as two new songs for the band Delerium.Her work on her solo album, "O.U.T." (On Ultimate Things), is some of her best. Where before she was always singing someone else's songs, I get the distinct sense from this album that it is her music and nobody else's. It has a strong variety and a unique sound, and much of it is dramatically different from what we've heard from her elsewhere.The lead track, "Leafy Lane," is the perfect way to set the tone for the whole album. It's a sexy, smooth song, Kirsty as I know and love her... but better. Her singing here is soft and sultry, ideally suited to the instrumentation. It's one of the strongest songs on the whole CD, which is filled with some really excellent work.My personal favorite song, because it seems to tell an mysterious story, is "Chapter 8." Kirsty alternates between soft and powerful vocals here, and the lyrics suggest a story deeper than what they literally reveal. Listening to the song, I never fail to find myself imagining what it's talking about. Though it's never said with clarity, I find my self imagining "the meaning behind Chapter 8.""Sci-Clone" is probably the biggest surprise on the whole album. If you've heard Kirsty Hawkshaw before, you probably recognize her for her breathy vocal style. She abandons that completely for this song, adopting a powerful, loud voice to scream out the lyrics against a fuzzy, technological beat. It's not at all what I expected from her when I bought the album, but it was delightful nonetheless.I don't need to go through each song, but will only conclude by saying that each song on "O.U.T." has its own unique flavor and sound, and they're all good in their own way. Though the album is only available as an import, and is thus fairly pricey, it's one of the best single CD's I own, and it was worth everything I spent on it and then some. It has my highest recommendation, and I find myself looking forward anxiously to new solo work from Ms. Hawkshaw."