Pope Jane's "Relief" is an amazing compilation of stellar songwriting and intriguing production, combined with raw gut-gripping performances by lead songstress and guitarist Danielle Egnew, lead bassist Holly Hoagland, and power drummer Kristen Coyner. This album is a tapestry of textures and layered melancholy, reminiscent of the work of Alannis Morisette or early Nirvana, but with a powerful and clear female throat tonally sculpting sleek melody lines and walls of backing vocals. With cutting lyrics such as "She was so thirsty / like dust in the eyes of the crucified / like cracks in the hands of the true and tried" and "bring the whip on down / there is rain in the sound of your voice", one can't help but wonder who was the unlucky subject of highly poetic writer Danielle Egnew, who also produced the album. In the face of the darker tones and wrenching vocal performances (such as in "Supply" where Danielle Egnew's voice takes on the characteristic of a mournful wail) "Relief" is still peppered with toe-tapping grooves and unforgettable grooving backbeats. This album is fascinating in its musical dichotomy alone, but outstanding due to perfectly blended performances of the three women who make up Pope Jane.
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The songs all contain themes that every listener can relate to. Egnew's smooth voice brings every theme home to the heart. Her vocals seem richer and deeper than before. Her heart is in every tune.
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Relief grabs audiences with it's edgy, stylized grooves. It is decidedly more retro sounding than last time. Danielle Egnew's guitar tracks span from Jimi Hendrix's Acid Rock to Carlos Santana's smooth, flowing style, with a bit of Eric Clapton Whimsey thrown in for good measure. Holly Hoagland's bass never sounded better. Her talent is appearant off of every track of the album. She keeps the pace going and the group comes together over her guitar. her bass matches Egnew's lead guitar, sometimes challenging it to a duel, sometimes taking the lead. It's that musical quasi battle that keeps things interesting. Kristen Coyner...ranks up there with the best rock drummers. She can span the range from ferocious to playful. Coyner's style is decidedly her own: a mix of funk and jazz that keeps the listener involved. Egnew's songwriting has reached a new level of maturity. While her songs have always been deeply personal, this batch of songs makes an emotional impact.
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