Deeper Sleeper
Sleepy Cat, 2023
8/10
The debut album from the North Carolina singer-songwriter Chessa Rich, the multi-instrumentalist pens an album about her struggles with an undiagnosed sleep disorder, and she’s got Alex Bingham of Hiss Golden Messenger on bass and synth for the 9 folk influenced tunes.
“Paper Heart” begins the listen with Rich’s expressive singing alongside synthetic drumming and a charming modern-pop flavor amid the hazy folk ideas, and “Julia” follows with warm synth and very pretty singing that’s lush and vulnerable.
Halfway through, “Sleeping Is Easier” brings a breezy version of Americana that also fits in well with today’s version of indie-rock, as the thumping drums produce a bit more power to the equation, while “Dirty Wine Glass” buzzes with a stylish dreaminess that meshes acoustic guitar with a dance-floor mood.
“Vacation” and “Mary” exit the listen, where the former benefits much from Bingham’s precise bass lines that suits Rich’s vivid storytelling, and the latter finishes with a very reflective tone of intimate and forthright songwriting.
Rich’s work may remind you of Jenny Lewis or Sharon Van Etten, which could never a bad thing, and this debut album illustrates her edgy folk prowess and eloquent demeanor superbly.
Travels well with: Vanessa Peters- Modern Age; Melody Duncan- Wolf Song