Annie’s House
Strolling Bones, 2024
10/10
The multi-instrumentalist and singer William Harries Graham is joined by an all star cast for songs about memories that embrace the strong songwriting that Austin, Texas is so well known for.
The rhythmic and flowing “Yourself” starts the listen with melodic guitars and Graham’s inviting voice that complement Chris Searles’ skilled drums, and “Annie, Are You There?” follows with soft singing and subdued instrumentation that’s intimate and benefits much from Cameron Riggs’ dreamy keys.
“George And Steve” occupies the middle spot and uses David Goodrich’s emotive guitar amid Amy Cook’s soulful backing vocals, while “On The Outside” is both dense and pretty, where poetic singing is met with spirited electric guitar and calm acoustic strumming.
Close to the end, the mesmerizing dynamics of “Philadelphia” unfolds with a haze of beauty and grit, and “Same As When We Were Kids” exits with a distinct minimalism that’s eloquent, mysterious and occasionally loud.
Somewhere between Americana, rock & roll, and folk, Graham is an exceptional story teller, and he balances rawness with a melodic component that, if there’s any justice, really should make him an indie-rock luminary.
Travels well with: Taxicab Verses- Is What You Make It; Say Zuzu- No Time To Lose