The new album from Emily Jane White, Immanent Fire, out now via Talitres, is an impassioned plea from the edge of the void. If the music and presentation here suggest a certain goth seriousness at work, the album's intention of drawing attention to the sad state of our natural world seems like more than enough justification for such an approach. Emily Jane's White voice, powerful as it is, also helps impart a certain emotional power to what's here.
"Drowned" progresses over a martial beat, with the strings caressing Emily's voice as it moves forward, while "Washed Away" is better, suggestions of Never For Ever-era Kate Bush sprinkled throughout Emily's more subtle performance here. Elsewhere, "Metamorphosis" sees White's vocal-work couched in a busy, yet interesting, production setting, while the starker "Dew" recalls early Sarah McLachlan a tiny bit. Lots of what's on Immanent Fire is rather one-dimensional, yes, but Emily Jane White's voice is strong enough that a listener is kept engaged throughout this. One imagines that future Emily Jane White releases would be full of greater variety. But, until then, enjoy Immanent Fire.
Immanent Fire is out now via Talitres.
More details on Emily Jane White via the official Facebook page.
[Photo: Kristin Cofer]