Jesca Hoop - Memories Are Now
Jesca Hoop - Memories Are Now
There's a sense of timelessness in Jesca Hoop's new record. Yes, she's mostly influenced by turn-of-the-century folk music like what you might hear on the American Anthology. But, there's moments on here that sound medieval or even older. It's like she's tapped in to some sort of primal, universal form of folk song. Not that this music sounds overly familiar; in fact, the melodies on here are often pretty unusual and original.
There's a tension to these songs, the deceptively simple arrangements constantly coiling and snapping back. They evoke a sort of earthiness, sometimes playful and sometimes sacred. To that effect, her chameleonic vocals shift from bird-like to deep and throaty, but they always remain charismatic.
I think this a near masterpiece. The first half of this record is certainly one of the most strange and impressive things I've heard this year.
Stream in full below via Bandcamp.
Highlights: The Lost Sky • Animal Kingdom Chaotic • Simon Says
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