Laura Jean
Chapter Music
Folkie songwriter Laura Jean has recorded her self-titled fourth album, produced by John Parish who has collaborated with PJ Harvey, as well as his work with Goldfrapp, M Ward and many others.
Dealing with life can be cruel, or at least that is how it seems for Jean on this almost biographic release. With her frail voice evoking goosebumps, on the other hand she can at times become overly so, sounding like a little bird, more pitiful than a melancholic.
Too much wallowing and some awkward song lyrics take the attention away from some melodies that are otherwise beautiful such as ‘Now I have a song to sing’ in June, although the song still holds its own. There are also songs such as Don’t Marry The One You Love where Jean excels in her songwriting, allowing the listener’s mind to roam free on the topic of marriage and what the song means to them.
With her vulnerability does come songs such as A Mirror On The Earth, personal and deep. On this album Laura Jean has captured the difficulties in life and family affairs while leaving us with a dark forest feeling.
IDA CECILIE JOHANNESSEN
