Emily’s latest, and first for the audiophile Linn label, puts her head and shoulders above the majority of country/folk singer-songwriters with mature, emotive imagery and accomplished musicianship.
After self-financing her first three albums, Emily and her folksy-country backing band have bagged a label.
And it marks a progression from her critically-acclaimed predecessors, with injections of drama and greater contrast between Emily’s agile voice and evocative arrangements.
Dear River reveals a breadth of talent and tastes expertly marshalled into a compelling set.
From the Dixie-country twang of the title track – a letter to the Blackwood River written on the eve of her leaving Oz, longing for the unfamiliar and full of rootsy violin – to the gentle pop of Leaving and darkly evocative, twisting highlight Everywhen, this LP is a dazzling shape-shifter.
Tuesday’s vivid story, depicting an urgent escape in soaring vocals above barreling guitar, plumped with accordion and nimble, dancing violin, is a triumph while the weighty country-rock of Ghost Narrative echoes Neil Young.
A line in the sand for Emily, this is a lyrical and musical gem.
4 stars
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here