A Private Picture
Fire Talk, 2019
8/10
Spearheaded by guitarist and songwriter Maria Jacobson, this debut album from Chicago’s Fran is a personal one that’s intimate and full of vivid lyrical imagery that’s often culled from Jacobson’s time as an actor.
“Now” starts the listen vocally strong on a sparse opener of timeless beauty, and “Company” follows with a firm guitar crunch and swift percussion on a subdued alt-rocker.
Further on, “Time And Place” simmers with a pretty delivery of pop-rock sensibilities, while “In My Own Time” brings a folk rock spirit to the thoughtful setting.
Near the end, the title track flows with agile, gentle melodies, and “Desert Wanderer” exits the listen with sweeping strings and light percussion in the cautious and gorgeous conclusion.
An album that tip toes across folk, country, indie and alt-rock, Fran is certainly thinking person’s music, as Jacobson creates an emotionally resilient and honest first effort.
Travels well with: Buck Meek- Buck Meek; Jay Som- Everybody Works