Tara Rice
– Panorama (Organik
Rekords)
Tara Rice is a Toronto based singer-songwriter, and
her new EP, the six-track “Panorama” is frequently soothing, sometimes spiky,
and more often than not, quite lovely. Produced by Rice and Sködt McNalty, the
pair have put together a collection where every musical piece seems to have
fallen into place. That’s no mean feat when we consider Rice’s range of
influences and the often-conflicting approaches she takes to her music.
If you’re looking for a neat label to file Rice
under, alternative folk-rock seems to be the consensus opinion, but it really
only tells part of the story. Take the opening track “Stones”; the
instrumentation includes cello, and something percussive, which I can’t put a
name to, but maybe East Asian, or wholly synthesized. The effect is ethereal
and haunting, and taps into a gothic romanticism, which brings to mind artists
like Mazzy Star and All About Eve. And I should mention, Rice’s voice is
stunningly good – pure, with infinite emotional depth.
“Stones” is followed by “Vampires”, where we hear a
whole new aspect to Rice’s repertoire. The track begins and ends relatively
sedately, the metaphorical bloodsucking tale is told in quirky pop tones, but
the middle section is almost feral – guitars squall and vocals distort – and
the effect is thoroughly arresting.
“In Harm” embraces a darker side, and “Oh, Tim” will
remind some of the peculiar narratives that used to appear on early Kate Bush
album. “If You Were My Monster” digs deep into old world mythology and is
elevated with barbed rhythms, and final track “The
Emerald Horizon” returns the listener to earth – literally - with
plentiful natural imagery.
Phil S.
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