The four-song EP
A Raveling
, by
indie rock
queen
Tara Jane O'Neil
, her first release on Spanish
Acuarela Discos
, doesn't so much move her along in her solo career as cement her firmly as one of the genre's stalwarts. The record doesn't vary a lot from the pattern that
O'Neil
has already established for herself: an atmospheric mix of easygoing guitars, gently layered vocals, slight
electronic
effects, and calm,
folk
-inspired contemporary melodies that conjure up images both of campfire chats and driving through old industrial cities at night. It's a nice combination.
is a practiced and assured artist who knows how to use her voice and her instruments to create the most dreamlike result.
"All Mine Eyes"
is a soft, ethereal piece with words that blend smoothly into the entire musical background and
"Pretty D"
incorporates lovely, airy vocals and poignant acoustic guitar lines. The cover of
Judee Sill
's
"The Phoenix"
is nice, too, staying true to the original while fitting in perfectly with the rest of
. This isn't groundbreaking or extraordinary material; it's simply a good release from a well-established artist, and assures the same for the future. ~ Marisa Brown