I really wasn't expecting to like all of the new EP from Laura Groves. I mean, there are a lot of things like this out there, frankly. And to say that sounds harsh, but I'm not trying to knock the talents of Laura Groves as much as I'm being honest about the state of the current market for singer-songwriters. That said, A Private Road surprised me a bit.
While "Infinite Wisdom" didn't do much for me, "Faking It" and "Foolish Game" did. Each sounds a tiny bit like Jane Siberry or Joni Mitchell as if they were produced by Brian Eno. The success of each of these numbers is due to the rich production, and dream-pop sheen hanging over these selections. Elsewhere, "Searching for the Stars", a real gem, serves up a subtle melodic hook under the simplest of productions. The layers here do so much so easily and so deftly that I started to love this singer in spite of my doubts. Following on from her appearance on the recent Wilma Archer album, A Private Road signals a new talent capable of moving into new territory if given a chance to chamr a listener.
A Private Road is out on Friday via Bella Union.
[Photo: Bella Union]