Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers

By: Charbarred | in: Music |

Ever since the death of Elliott Smith there’s a distinct lack of original singer-songwriters. Sure, there are plenty of talented individuals releasing quality albums, but a lot of them choose to pay tribute to their elders rather than forming their own sound. The likes of Ani Difranco, Andrew Bird and Sufjan Stevens still hold the fort, but for the most part you may find yourself scratching your head when another singer strumming an acoustic guitar showcases his or her talent on the radio.

After giving Americana a much needed shot in the arm with her first albums, Laura Veirs found her true voice on the excellent Carbon Glacier
. Followed by 2005’s Year of Meteors , there was no mistaking her talents. With her latest album, Saltbreakers, Veirs re-visits many of the themes drawn out on her previous record. While many would claim that artists should re-invent themselves with every new record, Veirs has such a unique style, that tainting it would almost be a crime.
Her uncommon lyrics which owe a lot to her Geology background are on full display, but while previous albums were more about description, Saltbreakers finds Veirs adding a more romantic aspect to her texts. Musically the album is more upbeat, at parts almost celebratory. Drummer Tucker Martine again helms the production with amazing minimalistic flare. While the listener is not bombarded with information throughout the album, a close listen finds many subtle instrumentations and little studio tricks. Along with her voice and offbeat song-writing, the combination of acoustic guitars, delicate electronics and strange effects really serve the music well.

Laura Veirs

Stand-out tracks include ‘Saltbreakers‘ the title track which has the whole band joining in on the chorus. ‘To the Country‘ has Veirs as her own choir, while ‘Black Butterfly‘ serves as a perfect example as to how ballads should be written. Individual tracks aside, this album should really be enjoyed as a whole. There are no fillers or dull moments. These types of records don’t come out very often. Saltbreakers deserves a prominent placement in any CD collection among other modern classics.

Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers

Laura Veirs - Drink Deep

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Posted on April 18, 2007

Comments

5 Responses to “Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers”

geekgasmic.com on April 18th, 2007 9:02 pm

Laura Veirs - Saltbreakers

Ever since the death of Elliott Smith there’s a distinct lack of original singer-songwriters. Sure, there are plenty of talented individuals releasing quality albums, but a lot of them choose to pay tribute to their elders rather than forming their o…

Joe on April 19th, 2007 5:41 am

Nice review, btw, Saltbreakers is also the name of the backing band…..

I really like the first song, Pink Light

Charbarred on April 19th, 2007 8:21 am

Thanks Joe, yeah I completely neglected to mention her band. I saw them live a couple weeks ago and they’re amazing. Ms. Veirs can really rock out on the guitar as well.