Urban
Wildlife – S/T (Independent)
There’s something wonderfully sad about Urban
Wildlife front woman Emily Logan, which sounds like an odd thing to say, but
her melancholic, almost sorrowful tones bring much depth and intensity to the
group’s self-titled collection. The Portland, Oregon native is also the
principal songwriter, and it’s her words and sentiments, melodies and hooks
that are so sympathetically complimented by both her voice and the musical
understanding of the musicians she has surrounded herself with for this
recording.
The nine tracks are launched with the beautifully
enigmatic “Driftwood Cradle”, a gentle rumination on love, loss and the things
that fall between. Its swells and surges are reminiscent of Mazzy Star and
Cowboy Junkies, and Logan’s soothing vocal envelops the listener in a most
delightful fashion. Multi-instrumentalist Jolie Holland is credited with strings
on “Spin” and the languid violin is a subtle addition, and provides a perfect
juxtaposition to the almost galloping rhythm. It all comes together quite
brilliantly.
Although there are nearly a dozen musicians and
vocalists on the album, for the most part the sound they make is relatively
straightforward. A standard guitar, bass, drums configuration holds everything
together and provides plentiful room for Logan’s songs and her own violin
leads. Indeed, the acoustic simplicity of the guitar track on “Like You Caught
Me” is the ideal accompaniment to Logan’s words and is one of the highlights.
Another is “Prism”, a duet with Ryan Stively, and final cut, “Take My Time”,
which incorporates a European-style folk melody, and will inspire listeners to
reach for the repeat button.
Phil S.
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