The new one from Odessa, the self-released All Things, drops on Friday. It's the sort of album that touches the soul as much as it caresses the ear. Subtle in spots, bracing in others, it is a lovely record, really.
The title cut on All Things is subtle and entrancing, but "Live On" is even better. Odessa blends bits of old Kate Bush performances up with a nimble, faintly country-ish melodic hook to great effect. Elsewhere, "Paradise" is just as light, another highlight here when compared to "Thunder" and other numbers that are a bit more dour and heavy. At her very best, like on the affecting "Lost My Head" or the elegant "Hard as I Try", Odessa is offering up some truly magical material. Numbers like these touch the heart with an emotional force that's genuine. All Things showcases the many talents of Odessa, but it's on the lighter numbers, the ones with the most airy of hooks, that I was most captivated by what's here.
All Things is out on Friday.
More details on Odessa via the official Facebook page.
[Photo: Alexandra Valenti]