And Still… is to be released on 21st April on Talking Shop Records.You can pre-order it now. If this single is anything to go by then this might be a wise choice indeed.

If you aren’t familiar with Farewell J.R’s previous releases, you can listen to a few songs here and buy the EPs from his store.

The post Farewell J.R – Skin Pieces appeared first on Various Small Flames.

The new songs are more stripped back compared to her debut album Strangers Who Knew Each Other’s Names. For the most part only a strummed guitar supports her strong vocals. The gentle instrumentation and backing vocals never distract your ears from her voice, but rather creating an atmosphere, a backdrop to the stories that unfold across the songs. It makes for an effective record that feels fully in control on it’s sound. Statements are made subtly and without over-emphasis – for example the second track, ‘I Can’t Forget’, begins with the regular guitar but as the lyrics turn a little sadder a string arrangements starts up to support them. It would have been easy to be ham-fisted and dress up the ‘sad song’ with weeping violins from the beginning but Dressner is cleverer than that.

Because the music sounds so lovely, it can be tempting to forget about the lyrics and just enjoy the nice sounds. However, should you wish to delve a little deeper into the words of songs (I always do), there are some interesting stories to be found. As the title hints, East Twenties was inspired by Dressner’s experiences living and growing in New York, and you get the feeling that Dressner has poured a not insignificant part of her life into these songs. Despite the aforementioned loveliness of her voice and the delicate instruments, there is a strong cathartic element here. The songs are richly detailed; the everyday observations that coexist with the love/loss messages give each song a personal and narrative feel. Of course, only Dressner knows how much of the content is based upon reality, but if she can create the effect then does it matter?

Annie has a Pledge set up to fund the new EP with a number of interesting options, from the standard EP right up to home shows, handmade lyric books and ‘golden tickets’ that will get you into any/all of her shows for the next ten years (!). The target has already been reached but that doesn’t mean you have missed your chance to get something, you can purchase whatever you fancy until the 8th April. Ten percent of the money raised is going to the charity V-Day (an organisation that raises awareness of violence against women) so you will be supporting a good cause too. Also, if you find yourself in London, get yourself along to the release show in the Slaughtered Lamb. See the poster below for more details.

You have a number of chances to see Annie perform this summer, from small local shows to the Green Man festival in Wales. See all the dates here.

P.S Annie’s voice reminds me of someone else’s but for all the world I can’t think who. It’s been on the tip of my tongue all morning but still evades me. Answers on a postcard to @WaketheDeaf.

The post Annie Dressner – East Twenties appeared first on Various Small Flames.

But please don’t judge her on cheap comparisons alone. Listen to my favourite track below and head over to her Bandcamp page to hear/buy the album, or get it from her own store.

The post WTD’s Advent Calendar – 1 – Annie Dressner appeared first on Various Small Flames.