Album Notes

Reviews

Over all the music has a very story telling kind of feel. Listening to this release, is synonymous to reading a good book; you can get lost in it, yet you never loose your attention. I'm kind of picking up on a 70's type folk style in the release. Minimalist music with strong bass lines and Suzane Vega style vocals really make you focus your attention to the movement of the songs, and to the lyrics. - Michelle Luckezic, iii zine

Most of the music sounds like it was recorded on a four- or eight-track recorder, albeit by someone who really knows how to use low-end recording equipment; the sound is warm and full, seldom brittle or trebly, and occasionally jazzed up with unexpected instruments. Keyboard melodies add a bit of gloss without overpowering the tunes (though the piano on "Treading Water" sounds a bit dubious), while shortwave radio noise bookends the disc, giving it a measure of Elephant Six artsiness. The irresistable title track even includes an e-bow. - George Zahora, Splendid

Softies-like material with warm, inviting female vocals and a simplistic array of instrumental highlights help lift this album to great heights. It's the little things which assist in putting it over the top. Things such as adding accompanying bass vocals on the track, "Treading Water" or talking and screaming on the otherwise gloomy tune, "It's a long way down when you know your way." The lyrics are also relatable. Personally I feel as though I've lived out situations similar to the one described on "Crossed Eyes" one too many times, although not to such extremes. In my opinion, an act such as this deserves a shot at something much bigger and better, because the ideas and music are definitely there. It's a shame to see such good talent go to waste, especially when one realizes how much garbage is out there. -Kurt Morris, Action Attack Helicopter

Lo-fi recording that only adds to the songs, which are extremely personal. I get the feeling like these songs were left on a close friend's answering machine or tape deck for no other ears to ever come in contact with. Somewhat in the vein of Bright Eyes or Elliott Smith, this stuff is definitely great. -Joe D., Paper Beats Rock

For the most part, Wilke sets a meditative mood, even when she lets her songs get a little jangly. She's turning herself inside out with these songs, and that's never easy. There's some hesitancy, but that also colors the songs nicely. It's human. And this album is something like a conversation. One-sided, I suppose, but I don't mind hearing Wilke tell me about herself and her ideas. Her singing and playing aren't perfect, and her songwriting isn't particularly crafted. There are moments where she doesn't follow form. That's where things get interesting. Sit down. Have a listen. Enjoy. -Jon Worley, Aiding & Abetting