Album Review by EDF
There’s definitely something wrong here. When a musician wants to express themselves to other people, they usually sign to a record label that takes care of the necessary exposure. Artists like Jen Gloeckner however have to set up their own website to sell their product and widespread exposure will be lacking. Musicians like Jen should be discovered and cherished for at least trying; trying to record quality, identifiable music that people can relate to.
The album begins with the soft title track, MILES AWAY, more about a state of mind than distance and is effective with the minimal use of guitar and piano. Bass, drums and even a violin are introduced on HAZY SKY, complete with Stevie Nicks like vocals. By the time SEVEN MAIDS comes floating across, you realise why this album has grabbed a hold of you, the lyrics are highlighted by the way Jen sings, you can actually hear every word and they have something to say.
Then there are songs like the slow atmospheric NOTHING PERSONAL which is supposed to be about Eve but does not quite make sense with its Alice In Wonderland references. It doesn’t matter how many times you listen to it, the song will remain a mystery. Is this not what great songs should be? The same can be said of ONLY 1, but the feeling here is that you are being dragged further into Jen’s world and what a strange and comforting place it is.
For the most part it is difficult to label Jen’s musical style but you would not be far wrong if you simply called it smooth. The music is adult with hints of jazz on a couple of tracks such as the wine bar like GLIMPSE and OTHERSIDE. CLEAR THE SAND brings an unexpected Eastern feel, complete with a fluttering flute. The dark, moody SWARM sounds like a contender for the next David Lynch movie.
On the surface, Jen Gloeckner might be just another female singer-songwriter but you cannot help noticing that the number of such musicians on the album charts these days clearly indicate the interest is there and hopefully there is room for Jen. We just might have reached the stage where the dull and dreary Dido type artists will finally make way for those like Jen and that would be okay in my books.
