Is It The Kiss
Storysound, 2019
8/10
The Brooklyn resident Ana Egge has been at it for over 20 years now, releasing one impressive album after another of her thoughtful, unpredictable, folk-influenced song craft.
Coming off her alluring 2018 LP White Tiger, Is It The Kiss continues Egge’s thriving art with Buck Meek, Alex Hargreaves and Matt Davidson lending a hand on guitar, fiddle and pedal steel.
“Cocaine Cowboys” starts the listen with gentle acoustic strumming and Egge’s soft, expressive vocals on the indie-folk gem that hints at honky tonk, and “What Could Be” follows with a percussively strong and fuzzy instrumentation as she finds a soulful place to reside.
Further along, “Hurt A Little” brings a raw edge to Egge’s singer-songwriter prowess with sturdy rhythm, while “Teacake And Janey” is a bare and pretty moment where orchestral nods and playful sounds make this one of the album’ best.
Near the end, “Rise Above” is a lyrically strong and musically jangly affair, and “Stay The Night” recruits woodwind instruments and horns on the multifaceted approach. “Chasing Rabbits In The Sun” ends the listen soft and agile, where pedal steel and trumpet add much to the atmosphere.
A powerful yet also vulnerable 11th album, is it The Kiss has Egge sounding older, wiser and more soulful than ever, as her creativity and delivery are more admirable than ever, too.
Travels well with: Buck Meek- Buck Meek; Twain- Rare Feeling