Style: Chamber Americana; compare to Sufjan Stevens, The Innocence Mission, The Danielson Famile
The Song of Songs
May 11, 2012
Top tracks: “If You Find My Lover, Tell Him I am Faint with Love,” “In the Garden of Ein Gedi”
Gregory’s lush interpretation of the Song of Solomon is a quiet masterpiece, offering a cohesive musical experience while avoiding the thematic claustrophobia that often dogs concept albums. It makes for a gentle Americana opera, wedding ancient lovers’ lyrics to an array of tasteful folk instrumentation and vocal harmony. With only a few misses, delightful surprises abound, including Sarah Gregory’s dark, lovely voice. Her vocals haunt the hypnotic highlight track “If You Find My Lover, Tell Him I am Faint with Love.” The album’s clever melodic phrasing and familiar lyrics will have you reaching for the repeat button with a wistful sigh.
