Americana, by its very definition, is an umbrella term for a plethoric anthology of “American” musical styles, despite the fact in recent years it seems to have taken on a sound all its own. In its essence, it is country, folk, blues, rock, and more – the interplay of “roots” with the rock ‘n’ roll that helped launch the music industry as a force to be reckoned with. It is rare for an artist or album to effortlessly encompass all that Americana is and hopes to be, but if anyone can lay claim to such a feat, it is Ali Holder. Her debut album ‘In Preparation For Saturn’s Return’ drew critical praise from No Depression, Daytrotter and LoneStar Magazine upon its 2013 release, and her influences range from Brandi Carlile and Ryan Adams, to Florence and The Machine, to Janis Joplin and the women of Lilith Fair.
“I don’t have to be any one thing,” Ali says of her refusal to be pigeon-holed, and it’s this diverse approach to music-making that provides her songs such a unique tone. On her new EP ‘From My Veins Will Fall’, which was released in September, she leaps between rhythms, melodies, instrumental groups and thematic ideas with controlled abandon, seeming to be reckless but taking just enough care for it to always slot into place. On the title track opener, for example, she begins with an atmospheric electric guitar line that is coated in reverb and delay, pushing her alto voice into its upper reaches for urgency on the opening lines. However, soon after the 40 second mark she changes tack, introducing a new pace guided by relaxed drum beat and the strong ringing of an organ that adds a bluesy, southern flair. Guitar strumming thickens the texture, as her vocal delivery builds from the initial melody into something that is tonally related but less direct and emotionally stricken. The first section later returns to merge with the new, forming a refrain that is many things at once.
Another example is the closing track ‘Ghost of A Man’. It starts ever so gently, just simply picked acoustic guitar setting a slight sway in motion, Ali’s piercing vocals joining in much the same way they did in the first track. But before the first minute has approached a totally different rhythm jumps in, drums instigating a groove that guides distorted guitar fuzz swelling around her. More up and down than the title song, however, in this case the refrain disappears quickly and we return to the initial rhythm, albeit with a marching drum backing and electric noodling instead of acoustic. Still, this hot and cold between subtle and dramatic is incredibly effective for highlighting conflict, and we find ourselves emotionally driven by the music’s journey.
Elsewhere, however, Ali combines her experimentalism with pop sensibilities. ‘Feel Alive’ is comparatively quite simple, alt pop stylings roughened up with folk rock production, while ‘Home You Built’ sits in a happy medium between the changes of ‘From My Veins Will Fall’ and the comfortable convention of ‘Feel Alive’. Sometimes I must admit the unwillingness to stick to one approach can feel a little tiresome, especially when trying to establish a pace for your own thoughts or activities, but I admire her refusal to fall into a rut and at the very least can commend her technical handle on music.
Throughout the six songs on this EP Ali grounds herself in poetic expressions of emotional strife, at times cryptic and often reflective, and usually allowing key lyrics to fall into mumbling. I think in hindsight I would have preferred to have a lyric sheet as it can be a challenge to pick out every line, but it is not hard to tell that Ali is a rather capable lyricist regardless. She wrote every song on this set, and their personal connections to her show.
While this is not a perfect record, it is still a damn good one, and a really enjoyable listen. Ali gave herself an impressive launch with her debut two years ago, and this new EP does a solid job of following that up. I’m looking forward to hearing more of her in the future.
Originally posted here.
