"I-80" sounds almost like Emmylou Harris, while the gently roiling "Red Shoulder" is a slow-burn of emotion. When the guitars do clash, the effect is nearly a grunge one, but Williams is far more interested in controlling this material, and there's no way that things are going to get that far out of control. Elsewhere, "Slapback" is mournful, while the superb "Headlights" is understated elegance. It's a beautiful, heartfelt cut that nearly drifts away. "Streetlight Blues" was the real highlight here for me, especially since it didn't feel at all like a blues song. There's a faint hint of Joni Mitchell about this one, but the cut churns with some real force.
Admittedly, I've heard a lot of artists that have been following similar paths lately, but, thankfully, Squirrel Flower imbues this stuff with enough heart and emotion that the material seems fairly heavy. The cuts that actually rev up a bit are the ones that I'd recommend first, though nearly anything on I Was Born Swimming is a good showcase for Ella O'Connor Williams' talents as a vocalist and performer.
I Was Born Swimming is out now via Polyvinyl Records.
More details on Squirrel Flower via the official Facebook page.
[Photo: Polyvinyl Records]