|
| |
|
|
|
Review Summary: A minimalist folk subtlety that hinges off of voice, rather than musical exploration, which allows Williams' voice to shine like the flawless gem that it is. Throughout the years of female voices, some just stick with you. The reason why is sometimes obvious; such is the case for Marnie Stern, as her voice are like jabs of an aural knife. But there can also be the polar effect. Emily Haines, in my opinion, is a perfect example of this. I can't exactly point out why I think that she's a great vocalist, but I certainly do believe that she is a memorable one. Now, where does Anna-Lynne Williams fit into this spectrum? She lays on the former. Her voice is like a soft croon that soothes while it intrigues. It's perceptible and tender; it's contributions to the music make the composition she contributes to all the better and never fade away into the background. And she doesn't command the spotlight, the spotlight commands her. So, saying that, I was naturally ecstatic when I heard that she was moving away from the rock music chock full of shoegaze tendencies for a more minimalist folk sound.
Beginning with the somber, "Crush the Bird" the album takes flight, and immediately, the evolution that Williams has undergone is evident. While retaining the poignancy she had mastered on her last outfit, she includes elements of tenderness and refreshment. The combination of these musical achievements are subtle and sparse however, which is a reflection upon the sparse, subtle nature of the album. Most of this is most likely subsequent action provoked by the album's minimalism, as the album places Williams' voice as the music's utmost priority rather than the lone acoustic guitar. Even the acoustic guitar oftentimes escapes the aural mix entirely, making an even more diaphanous soundscape. And though the a'capella styles may seem like a plague to listen to, her soloist outings are a pleasant occurrence. This all leads to an album that oozes coherency and delicacy that is gorgeous, but lacks the exigency that her former work possessed so naturally. This may be the album's only flaw however, and some tracks like “Leif Erikson” hint at a lot of potential exigency. In fact, the middle of the album's duration melds in this urgency without compromising its former integrity before the album ends on as high of a note as it began.
In short, this is a great collection of eleven minimalist-folk compositions that secure Williams' place at the forefront of the genre itself. Not only does this album show that she can produce a solo album that cuts all ties from her former project, but that her musical exploits can be marked excellent, rather than a total tedium. While being overtly passionate, the album is a diaphanous symphony that utilizes both elements of this musical achievement. It allows the listener to reflect oft, and is a mellow work that is intense not because of a gruesome mix of spasmodic aggressiveness, but because of its lack of that. This quiet masterpiece allows subtlety to be exciting with its shifts in dark yet whimsical atmospheres, and therefore, the album is like riding a bicycle, you never forget what it entails.
FINAL RATING: 4.3/5-A minimalist folk subtlety that hinges off of voice, rather than musical exploration, which allows Williams' voice to shine like the flawless gem that it is.
| other reviews of this album |
rasputin (4)
minimalist folk from one of our favourite voices....
|
|
Aside from the intro about the poignancy of fruit I was impressed with this review.
| | |
I take it that you don't like metaphors and pseudo-intellect?
| | |
alright, who neg'd?
| | |
In short, this is a near-stagnant collection of eleven minimalist-folk compositions
Near-stagnant? That doesn't sound too nice.
Review is pretty good.
| | |
I really don't like your first paragraph - it tells me nothing and is just a waste of space. Sure, it may be well written, but the metaphor isn't that good for it to be worth having.
Another thing is that your use of advanced vocabulary is a little irritating - you come off like you're trying to sound smart.
that is quite beauteous, but lacks the exigency
I understand beauteous is a word, but I've never seen that used anywhere. Formality is good with reviews, but you need to find a balance so that the reader can feel comfortable reading. This is not to say you should dumb down your reviews, but just make them more accessible, and not look like you're trying to use odd/difficult words on purpose.
| | |
I'm surprised you picked out "beauteous" rather than "phantasmagorical"
This quiet masterpiece allows subtlety to be exciting with its shifts in phantasmagorical atmospheres, and therefore, the album is like riding a bicycle, you never forget what it entails.
But yeah, I think I'll remove some of the first paragraph.
| | |
^ It's like reading Lacan, difficult for the sake of difficult.
You also use words somewhat improperly.
phantasmagorical atmosphere
that's an example, phantasmagorical doesn't really describe an atmosphere. More proper would've been like, I don't know, "the ______ atmosphere is created through phantasmagoria." Or something.
And using exigency two sentences in a row is ugly. I would switch to urgency or some other synonym in the second sentence. Basically like Rasputin said, you need to balance the difference between literary language (ie. beauteous, anything connotative) and non-literary language
(denotative). Otherwise it's well written and doesn't really deserve that neg.
| | |
i see grammar issues here and there that still make me question whether your vocabulary is legitimate
and remember, a big fake vocab is like a really big car: overcompensating doesn't change reality
| | |
Fixed
| | |
I couldn't make it through that introduction, ha ha. Good album though.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
good album but it can be a bit tiresome to sit through. i love Anna-Lynne Williams though
| | |
Yeah, I have to be in a specifc mood for this.
I have a reccomendation for you... the artist is called Dear Euphoria and the album is self-titled.
| | | Album Rating: 3.5
thanks Willie i am sure i will like it. i will probably let you know what i think on last.fm
| | | Album Rating: 4.0
great album
| | |
Fixed... again.
| | |
| |
