UK Release: 10/10/11 - Asthmatic Kitty
Shara Worden's majestic My Brightest Diamond is a delightful find for a true folky. All Things WIll Unwind is a beautiful collaboration with yMusic and drummer Brian Wolfe, proving the impact chamber-folk truly can produce. She expresses her Joanna Newsom-esque composing and use of orchestration stunningly in her third album.
Originally based in New York, Worden moved back home to Detroit with her new-born baby to write another much anticipated album. The album 'addresses the juxtaposition of life and death, class and race, pantries and politics—as heard through the mesmerizing lullaby of a new mother.' (Offical Website Bio)
Worden is no stranger to the musical world being daughter to a National Accordian Champion father and organist mother. Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, The Decemberists; whom she has supported on tour, and Sufjan Stevens are all friends and fans. The latter became extremely influential as she supported him on tour and performed as part of Sufjan Stevens and the Illinoise Makers. Signed to his label, Asthmatic Kitty, she was ready to wow the world with her own captivating persona.
Pleasant opener 'We Added It Up' is the perfect introduction to the politically heavy LP with lyric 'Love blinds the world' written during a global economy crisis. A plucky acoustic guitar sets the ambient tone for the disagreeing lyrics. The slow build-up of 'Be Brave' beginning with the muted drum beat escalates into a realisation and attempt at convincing herself to 'be brave dear one'.
The soft whisper of her name; 'Sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-shara / This is going to hurt' haunts and contrasts brilliantly with the loud impact of the heavy instrumentation. 'There's a Rat' may sound cartoony but what underlies are the descriptions of reactions towards bankers and the deprived ecomony; 'I'm gonna treat you like the mouse that you are'. Upbeat follower 'High Low Middle' uses the instruments to emphasise Worden's advise, culminating in a sensationally casual trumpet dance.
The arrangements work around the dominant vocals wonderfully, often focusing on the words and the instrumentation at their own required times. When the two collide it forms a great mutual connection where a call and response-like communication becomes crucial.
Although this strong, well-arranged record, bringing out the political highs and lows and experiences of Worden's past year is forceful, as a passionate Joanna Newsom follower, I feel Worden is unable to overstep the line between sheer talent and pure genius. Nevertheless, All Things Will Unwind is certainly a powerful listen and well worth every minute of your time.
Rating: 7/10
Find out more about My Brightest Diamond at the official website here.
Check out My Brightest Diamond's 'Be Brave' below:
 |
| Courtesy of djenvert, Shara Worden |
Originally based in New York, Worden moved back home to Detroit with her new-born baby to write another much anticipated album. The album 'addresses the juxtaposition of life and death, class and race, pantries and politics—as heard through the mesmerizing lullaby of a new mother.' (Offical Website Bio)
Worden is no stranger to the musical world being daughter to a National Accordian Champion father and organist mother. Bon Iver's Justin Vernon, The Decemberists; whom she has supported on tour, and Sufjan Stevens are all friends and fans. The latter became extremely influential as she supported him on tour and performed as part of Sufjan Stevens and the Illinoise Makers. Signed to his label, Asthmatic Kitty, she was ready to wow the world with her own captivating persona.
Pleasant opener 'We Added It Up' is the perfect introduction to the politically heavy LP with lyric 'Love blinds the world' written during a global economy crisis. A plucky acoustic guitar sets the ambient tone for the disagreeing lyrics. The slow build-up of 'Be Brave' beginning with the muted drum beat escalates into a realisation and attempt at convincing herself to 'be brave dear one'.
The soft whisper of her name; 'Sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-shara / This is going to hurt' haunts and contrasts brilliantly with the loud impact of the heavy instrumentation. 'There's a Rat' may sound cartoony but what underlies are the descriptions of reactions towards bankers and the deprived ecomony; 'I'm gonna treat you like the mouse that you are'. Upbeat follower 'High Low Middle' uses the instruments to emphasise Worden's advise, culminating in a sensationally casual trumpet dance.
 |
| Courtesy of michel-dhersin, Shara Worden |
Although this strong, well-arranged record, bringing out the political highs and lows and experiences of Worden's past year is forceful, as a passionate Joanna Newsom follower, I feel Worden is unable to overstep the line between sheer talent and pure genius. Nevertheless, All Things Will Unwind is certainly a powerful listen and well worth every minute of your time.
Rating: 7/10
Find out more about My Brightest Diamond at the official website here.
Check out My Brightest Diamond's 'Be Brave' below:
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