Rianne Downey – The Consequence of Love Review

Nostalgia acts and the heavy-hitters of the past may dominate conversation at the moment, but quietly, a new wave of musical talent has come through. There are those establishing themselves as fresh voices like Sam Fender and CMAT, and those who are banking on a credible rise through the ranks. The Last Dinner Party did just that, and so too has Rianne Downey. What these artists have in common is not a musical overlap but a promising development for exciting sounds which will last for years to come. Downey’s debut album, The Consequence of Love, is a collection of reflections and musings on topics all too frequently found in music. It’s what a writer can bring out of them; that’s the difference maker. Love, loss, and the growth of an artist from their humble origins to headlining shows across the globe, that’s what Downey must bring to life. She does so brilliantly on this, a formidable debut album which cements her as one of the best artists of this new crop.  

Consolations of the heart dominate The Consequence of Love, a blisteringly open and wonderfully honest album. It must be. Listeners expect an artist to put their heart on the line every chance they get, and to hear anyone do any less than this is to subvert expectations and alienate the wider audience. What comes through on The Consequence of Love is the catchy, folk-oriented flourishes that Downey has perfected over the years. Her work alongside Paul Heaton, particularly on his The Mighty Several release last year, highlighted just how strong a vocalist Downey is. Making the transition back into solo works is easily done, and brilliantly so with opening song Good in Goodbye playing around with that wordage and bringing out a wonderful, stomp and holler-like experience. Homeland flourishes on The Song of Old Glencoe pairs well with the straightforward and emotionally raw title track. Balance is everything for an album where an artist puts their heart on the line, and Downey nails it on The Consequence of Love.  

An inspired voice with a clear, unflinching look into their life. That’s all you can ask for. Angel is a standout early moment for The Consequence of Love, as reliant on Downey’s tremendous vocal work as it is on the softer, acoustic folk riff. Love and loss are the aim of Sunblind, a catchy and light-sounding song with heartbreak at its core. It’s the contrast that matters most across The Consequence of Love. Downey is keen to add that missing link between heartbreak and reflection. It’s the influence a person no longer around has on those who keep on living that matters most. She highlights that best of all with Because, and the overhaul of charming instrumentals and lighter looks at life are a brilliant alternate to the darker flourishes elsewhere. Balance is everything.  

That run of Angel to Nothing Better is brilliant. Assured material which lives and dies on the honesty at its core. The Consequence of Love never takes a darker turn, but it has those emotionally charged moments, comments on what to do in those bleak moments. Downey has an astonishing voice and an openness in her lyrics which helps the album along brilliantly. There’s a desire from Downey in her closing song, Heart of Mine, to move on. It’s not the action that touches the heart here but the desire, the emotional clarity which eventually comes. Fitting it may be for the end of the album, The Consequence of Love is built on those dependable, truthful moments. They platform Downey not just as an exceptional storyteller, but a bold one whose work listeners can learn from.