Lani
Stanistreet – Unconditional (Independent)
From Melbourne, Australia, Lani Stanistreet had been
playing guitar and singing for a number of years before the inspiration came to
write her own material and take her music seriously. That came in 2010 with the
acquisition of her first ”real grown-up guitar” - a Martin OMC Aura - and
suddenly the desire to write songs and make music a major part of her life to
come was overwhelming. “Unconditional” is her debut release.
The collection is completely self-penned, and
Stanistreet touches on a number of sensitive subjects, from soured friendships
to cancer, loneliness and suicide, but does so in a way that’s never maudlin or
over-sentimental. She’s a skilled wordsmith with a crystal clear voice and keen
ear for melody. Instrumentally, there’s also plenty going on; though her
acoustic guitar affords a warm, central foundation for her sound, she’s joined
by another half dozen musicians and vocalists, providing nuance, emphasis and
lots of depth.
She’s extremely adept at conjuring up mood; “The
Undertow” is haunting and poignant, and its theme of cautionary love is
beautifully framed in classic folk-rock tones. “You Wear a Golden Ring” is
equally evocative, and the title track features an outstanding vocal – maybe the
finest on the collection – and you’ll find the little hairs that live on the
back of things will invariably spring to attention.
Phil S.
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