published: 19 /
9 /
2005
Label:
Nonesuch
Format: CD
Worldly fifth album from Seattle-based singer-songwriter Laura Viers, which proves to be an intriguing combination of rock, indie pop and alt. folk
Review
Laura Viers uses a wide range of instruments and poetic lyrics to create an album that brings together rock, indie pop and alt. folk.
'Year of Meteors' starts with ‘Firesnakes,’ one of my favourite songs from the album. The lyrics are reminiscent of a Cat Powers record with strings, and acoustic guitar creating a dark emotional song.
The second track, ‘Galaxies’ takes the sound towards a more electric style with electronic space sounds floating through the song.
'Magnetized' uses gentle harp notes which remind me a lot of a Joanna Newsome composition, but once the vocals drift in the first comparison that jumps to mind is Suzanne Vega.
'Year of Meteors' meanders through different genres but has its roots in acoustic guitar riffs and strings. ‘Through the Glow,’ ‘Spelunking’ and ‘Where Gravity is Dead’ all return the album to this mellow, floating sound.
The album also has a few more rocking songs, ‘Black Gold Blues’ is one of these with a heavier drum beat and electric guitar mixed with sharp edged violin music.
This is Viers fifth album and it is obvious that her sound has had time to grow and expand. She is well travelled after a spell living in Malaysia and China before settling in Seattle. Worldly influences are swimming throughout the album and give even more depth to its cross genre sound.
Listening to this album will definitely leave you wanting more.
Track Listing:-
1
Fire Snakes
2
Galaxies
3
Secret Someones
4
Magnetized
5
Parisian Dream
6
Rialto
7
Through the Glow
8
Cool Water
9
Spelunking
10
Black Gold Blues
11
Where Gravity Is Dead
12
Lake Swimming
13
Magnetized Phone Call