Between Us
Storysound, 2021
8/10
The onset of the pandemic made the process for Ana Egge’s 12th album a bit different than her previous work, where she worked with the Irish singer-songwriter Mick Flannery virtually for 9 of the 11 songs that make up Between Us.
“Wait A Minute” starts the listen with soulful sax from Sonny Step and Darius Chrisitan’s agile trombone as Egge’s poetic and expressive singing makes for a mature yet playful opening, and “The Machine” follows with a more bare approach of warm acoustic guitar alongside a sublime indie-folk delivery that’s also synth friendly thanks to Lorenzo Wolf.
Some of the best tracks land in the middle, including the richly layered “We Let The Devil”, which embraces vibraphone, recorder and Corey Fonville’s drums, while “Don’t Come Around” presents breathy singing that’s met with a thicker display of crunchy rock by way of Egge’s very capable electric guitar and Michael Isvara Montgomery’s strategic bass. “Lie Lie Lie”, a truly exceptional tune, then showcases Egge’s gorgeous pipes amid firm drums and plenty of atmosphere that includes Jonny Lam’s steel guitar and Alphonso Horne’s trumpet.
Near to the end, the upbeat “Want Your Attention” recruits J. Hoard’s vocals on the buzzing, dance-floor friendly fun, and the deeply personal “We Lay Roses” exits the listen with a stirring intimacy that has bass, trumpet and synth accompanying Egge’s eloquent and dreamy singing and guitar.
A listen that’s as diverse as the musicians that are present, there’s no dull spot in Egge’s impressive body of work, but if you’re new to the experience you may as well start here, as it’s some of her best yet.
Travels well with: Mark Erelli- Blindsided; Shook Twins- Some Good Lives