The State That We Are In
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
Listen to The State That We Are In
A singer-songwriter and guitarist from San Francisco, Rachel Garlin brings us 4 originals and a cover here, where a diverse and timeless delivery of brass, woodwinds and strings enter her indie-folk template.
The title track starts the listen with Garlin’s soothing acoustic guitar and smooth singing alongside Michael Jerome’s crisp drumming and David Ralicke’s well timed flute in the very flowing, politically themed opener, and “Late To Bloom” follows with warm strumming, poetic vocals and subtle but effective keys from Jonny Flaugher in the standout track.
“Some Weights Are Hard To Bear” takes the middle spot and displays much beauty with a gentle spirit and soulful horns thanks to Jordan Katz, while “Seashells” finds a dreamy place to reside, where a lush climate unfolds with help from Stephen Spies on violin. “Layla”, an Eric Clapton song, exits the listen, where just Garlin’s pipes and acoustic guitar interpret the classic with a bare quality that’s dedicated to Garlin’s wife of the same name.
An artist who has a lengthy background in athletics and who is actually a contestant on American Ninja Warrior, Garlin is an artist with many talents, and this quick EP serves as a great introduction to her thoughtful and articulate song craft that will certainly resonate with those who appreciate folk sounds.
Travels well with: Ana Egge-Between Us; Karen Jonas- Summer Songs