In Our World There Are No Strangers
Banyan, 2018
8/10
Listen to In Our World There Are No Strangers
A husband and wife duo who take a bilingual approach to their family oriented sounds, Louisville’s Evan And Vanessa brings us a very eclectic listen here, where Evan plays over 20 instruments while Vanessa handles the bulk of the vocal duties with much grace.
After the birds chirping and atmospheric warmth of “Welcome To Our Album” opens up the album, “Sun Sun Sun” follows and radiates a playful dynamic and percussively strong setting of rhythm set to Vanessa’s breezy pipes.
Further on, “Los Politicos”, a song entirely in Spanish, flows with a lullaby quality alongside gentle musicianship, while “Somewhere Out There” brings a dreamy delivery to the sophisticated landscape where a clarinet and flute add much to the formula. “Coloring Book”, one of the album’s best, then uses charming percussion and twinkling strings for a varied and instantly memorable display of immense skill.
Close to the end, the title track offers plenty of melodies as light and airy sounds complement the gentleness, and the last formal song, “Goodbye Friends”, recruits ambience with the sounds of water that unfold with an almost New Age approach.
A unique record in many ways, the pair actually offer the same album twice here- one entirely in Spanish. A feel good listen for any age, Evan and Vanessa know their way around a well crafted tune that’s eloquent, heartfelt and timeless.
Travels well with: The Green Orbs- Thumb Wrestling Champions; Jesse Jukebox- Awesome!