Album, Single and EP Reviews


 

 

  Ghosts and Gasoline by Lara Ewen


Ghosts and Gasoline cover art

Artist: Lara Ewen
Title: Ghosts and Gasoline
Catalogue Number: No catalogue number
Review Format: Compact Disc
Release Year: 2007



Lara presents us with some fine examples of gentle yet bittersweet acoustic music.  Although the predominate influence is Americana, it would be unfair to classify Lara in purely that vein.  As well as the Nashville country influence there is also Greenwich Village folk and San Franciscan pop just under the surface.  All of which makes her a bit of a cartographer of the American musical landscape in her own right.

The lively "Untethered" with an infectiously almost bouncy summery folk beat that seems to mix elements of Joni Mitchell and Carole King with the Cranberries is a real standout track.  Personal favourite though is "Clear" which is a mid tempo alt country style of song with a bit of an autobiographical feel to it.  With "20 Years Ago" we are taken in a more reflective direction and mood.  "Blessed" is another song with deceptively meaningful lyrics, and the mellow sounding "Josephine" would appear to fit in the same category.

Although tending to favour the slower paced and seemingly tender song, Lara's lyrics often carry a bit more of a bite if you take the time to listen.  Recommended for fans of singer songwriters who tell it from the heart.  For more about Lara and her music visit her Sonicbids EPK.


www.unstrungmusic.com
Reviewer:
Review Date: June 20 2007