Avalanche
Yep Roc, 2023
10/10
It’s been over a decade since Jenny Owen Youngs has released any music, and she’s got plenty to talk about. Marriage, divorce, grief, discovering love again and remarriage have been a big part of her life since we last heard from her, and that all comes out with these gorgeous, lush songs.
The cautious title track opens with Josh Kaufman’s warm keys, before soft guitar from Youngs enters the shimmering folk qualities that are met with indie-pop melodies, and “Knife Went In” follows with drum machines and mesmerizing guitar that creates a very poetic and elegant climate.
In the middle, the sublime intimacy of “Bury Me Slowly” is devastatingly beautiful in its soft and pensive delivery, while “It’s Later Than You Think” recruits Matt Barrick’s crisp drums for the brighter textures of rich indie-rock.
Close to the end, “Salt” benefits from Christian Lee Hutson’s backing vocals that add much to the dreamy song craft, and “Now Comes The Mystery” exits with warm keys complementing the expressive singing and confessional finish.
Often times a fragile listen, Youngs has clearly done much soul searching in recent years, and she turns that into heartfelt, reflective and forthright songwriting that will touch anyone immensely.
Travels well with: Peter One- Come Back To Me; Caroline Cotter- Gently As I Go