Twenty-three year old Blue Mountains native and folk/blues artist Francesca Sidoti released her debut album Bright City Light Fool late 2010. Having been reared around folk, country and blues music, you can imagine how this album would sound – folk-styled, with hints of country and the blues! Francesca Sidoti is an emotive and poetic writer who has yet to be unearthed by industry figures.

The first track off the album, "Happy", is one that makes you want to go on a road trip to some serene place. This pop-folk tune has one of the album's catchiest choruses, while a funky piano accordion plays in the background and Sidoti's vocals come off subtle and sweet.

"Borne By The Saints Marching In" is a driving song that almost sounds like gospel-rock. An enjoyable tune to listen to with Sidoti’s folky vox, trumpet sounds in the background, Drummer-Boy-like beats alongside the country-like guitar playing.

"Dance Down My Street" is introduced with fluent guitar-picking and sweet harmonies alongside Sidoti’s vocals. Later, the strumming of an acoustic-guitar joins the melody and then the song ends with a beautiful solo of acoustic-guitar. The next track, "Camden Bridge", entails a beautiful combination of Sidtoi’s vocals and simultaneous guitar-playing which turns out to be more of an upbeat rock tune – a track I can picture being played at a chilled out time during a blues/rocks festival.

"Easy" is a track that makes one want to get up and dance as it has an affluent characteristic of blues and rock, especially with the added piano. "Beholden" is definitely a folk ballad, lighthearted yet emotive. It is such a relaxing song to listen to and is suitable to play on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

"Pumpkin's Presence" is an enjoyable tune to listen to due to its upbeat funky melody and the narration of Sidoti’s vocals. The song title itself is already intriguing which gets the listener wondering what it’s all about.

The album eases out with the song “Leaving Song” – too appropriate of a song title to end the album. This tune makes the listener feel a sense of melancholy due to its slow–paced tempo and droopy tone of voice. You're almost left feeling saddened that you have come to the end of the album!

Bright City Light Fool is definitely a keeper for folks/blues lovers, one worthy of addition to any music library.

Review Score: 7.5/10