The new album from Jesca Hoop, Stonechild, out on Friday via Memphis Industries, is a record that slips between genres with ease, even as its lyrical content remains direct, and starkly sharp. Produced by John Parish (PJ Harvey), the record is full of supple and pliable indie-rock tinged with electro-pop elements.
"Free of the Feeling" (feat. Lucius) is elegant and reminiscent of later compositions by Kate Bush and PJ Harvey, while "Old Fear of Father" goes further back, to Sandy Denny and Maddy Prior, for points of inspiration. "Outside of Eden" (feat. Kate Stables and Justis) is pure folk-rock, with Jesca's lyrics here striking an insightful tone, even as "Red White and Black" is even better, an elegiac ramble through lyrical concerns that address current injustices. Still, lots of what's here on Stonechild works on multiple levels, as Jesca's music is as lovely and beautiful as her lyrics are sharp and insightful at times.
Stonechild by Jesca Hoop is out on Friday via Memphis Industries.
More details on Jesca Hoop via her official Facebook page.
[Photo: Uncredited picture from Jesca's Facebook page]