Consider this throwback a sonic kiss. I am serious – this music will hug you and kiss you in all the right places. Young girl from Sacramento managed to construct a collection of gorgeous songs on her debut. Basically, her music is Americana, but she is much more than that as she brought diverse influences into a soft album that is easy to listen to. She is Julie Ann Baenziger, aka Sea of Bees.
Her main influence is PJ Harvey, but there is also a little bit of Regina Spector and Laura Marling. In my opinion, she is a folk version of The XX. Altogether, these are solid references for Songs for the Ravens, an album she released back in 2011.
The walk of melody is impressive and reminds me a bit of Robert Plant, only more pop and chill. These are not kind of pop tunes that would rule charts. They are more oriented towards indie and positive song structure.
Dreamy vocal and soft music blend perfectly, which showcases how Julie is a talented musician. It is not easy to make such an impressive album with catchy themes. Just listen to Marmalade, and you will know exactly what I am writing about. Still, my personal favorite from the record is Sidepain, a candid confession about unfortunate relationships that maintains optimism. It is a love child of Feist, Emiliana Torrini and Laura Marling, the one they made in the most exuberant atmosphere possible.
Songs for the Ravens is one of those records that you can play anytime, and it will never sound dull and hackneyed.
Sea of Bess is certainly a musician who offered a respectful album at the beginning of her career. It is something not even senior musicians would be able to pull off. I did not have a chance to listen to her following records, but I hope that she will not disappoint me. As soon as I go through her successors, be sure I am going to review them.
