Fragile Heart
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
Having dropped the ‘Band’ part of their name, Cara Louise returns with an EP of nods to the ‘60s as she attaches synth, vocal effects and retro production to her alt-country formula.
The title track starts the listen with gorgeous strumming and Louise’s pretty, inimitable vocals in the classic country meets modern day alt-country opener that you could dance to, and “Turn Tears Into Rain” follows with a calmer setting of strings and folk ideas amid the orchestral haze and strong rhythm.
The back half of the albums brings the synthetic drumming and beat friendly “Only You”, and “Nothing To Prove” exits the listen with brisk percussion amid a dreamy setting of classically influenced sounds, as Louise and company really expand their template.
Fragile Heart is the sound of the songstress spreading her wings, and she takes the leap with as much risk as she does skill, resulting in an adventurous endeavor that I feel pretty confident will be a well received reinvention for anyone who’s been following this far.
Travels well with: Nikki Lane- Highway Queen; Sarah Shook & The Disarmers- Years