Jan 08 2010 11:26 am,
Laura Veirs
‘July Flame’
(Bella Union)
Despite a consistent output over the past decade, even Laura Veirs admitted that, come 2008, she “was in a songwriting slump.” The antidote? Dismantle the backing band and head to the countryside. The
Portland-based artist’s seventh LP is a resultant breath of fresh air; a world of organic imagery where troubles “seep into the dirty ground”. She may be midthirties, but ‘July Flame’ sees Veirs’ explore the emotions of a hazy mid-summer with wide-eyed youthfulness - most notably on the gloriously bright ‘Summer Is The Champion’. The title track, meanwhile, epitomises a long-shadowed July twilight. ‘Carol Kaye’s’ the real curio though; a tribute to Frank Zappa’s session bassist that showcases Laura Veirs’ humble-natured song writing, whilst also providing credentials for her own deserved reverence.
Simon Jay Catling
