Feels Electric
Self-Released, 2021
8/10
The multi-instrumentalist Laura Mihalka might have taken a decade between albums, but she’s certainly stayed busy joining the Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, as well as working on many film/commercial projects while also raising her daughters.
On this sophomore album, Mihalka starts the listen with the pensive title track, where warm keys, punchy drumming and soaring vocals make for a highly melodic opener, and “Falling Apart” follows with a cautious and intimate display of well timed organ and subtle prog-rock nods.
At the halfway point, “Forgiven” radiates sublime beauty as the agile strings add much appeal, while “Out For The Night” offers a brighter demeanor of timeless pop ideas amid a chamber rock delivery that benefits much from David Levita’s guitar work. “Battleground”, the album’s best track, the meshes glowing pedal steel from Jesse Siebenberg with precise keys to complement an introspective mood.
Landing near the end, “She’s Everything” finds an ethereal place to reside under a haze of tension and tunefulness, and “Looking Back” exits the listen in piano balladry before working its way into a particularly dreamy execution of timeless, lush musicianship.
Mihalka handles cello, key, vocals and electric guitar on one track, and her unique and diverse formula brings to mind Pink Floyd, Elliott Smith, Pixies or even Father John Misty. The attention to detail and strong hooks, harmonies and emotive song craft certainly won’t go unnoticed, either, as she brings an artistic and often stirring dynamic to this superb sophomore record.
Travels well with: Van Dyke Parks Orchestrates Verónica Valerio- Only In America Solo En America; Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks- Orange Crate Art