Call Out
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
The singer-songwriter Martha Groves Perry returns with her 3rd release, where a poetic, melodic and groove filled presence is appeciated across the 12 originals.
“Anyway” starts the listen with a thick atmosphere that welcomes thumping drums and glowing guitar, as well as Perry’s expressive voice, and “You Might” follows with a soft, buzzing quality that suits the lush, cautious territory that’s surrounded by some darkness.
Deeper into the listen, the warm acoustic guitar of “Let The Wind Come” complements the poetic singing, while “Purely Who You Are” emits a stirring dreaminess of graceful song craft.
Close the end, the firm drumming of “Dumping My Delusion” embraces soulful brass for the jazz tinted album highlight, and “Little Life” exits with much beauty and eloquence in attendance amid the folk influences.
You might be reminded of Tom Waits, Tom Petty or Natalie Merchant when listening to these Americana gems, as Perry navigates around light vs dark, love vs hate and beauty against ugliness on this rich, harmonic and very literate body of work.
Travels well with: Helen Cronin- Landmarks; Laura Zucker- Lifeline