Artist: Fanshaw
Album: Dark Eyes
Label: Mint Records
Genre: Girls that grew up with Kate Bush/PJ Harvey
If Fanshaw's debut, 5 years in the making, has a major flaw, it's that the album fails to truly identify itself. Seriously, if you told me one song was Cat Power, another St. Vincent, and yet another Gregory & The Hawk, I'd believe you. What becomes immediately apparent, however, is that whomever Olivia Fetherstonhaugh is aping, the songwriting shines. Whether you're listening to the sing-song "Vegas" that recalls Jenny Lewis's pristine vocals in early Rilo Kiley releases or the rhythmless "Diana" that channels deep-throated Kate Bush, the songs get the head bobbing. Fetherstonhaugh has range just as varied as the songs, and it remains the one thread for the listener to hold on to through the album. Despite lacking the sizable fanbase the aforementioned hold, Fanshaw's song-writing matches and occasionally surpasses her peers. Keep an eye on Fanshaw, hopefully come second album she can find a musical crook to settle into. Be warned, Olivia: you probably won't get 5 years this time, though.
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