Tom Lynch

Given how rare the occurrence, I’m always amazed when singer-songwriters sound uniquely their own. When just an acoustic guitar and a voice make one solitary soundscape. Mark Kozelek has usually done it for me, as has Lou Barlow’s solo material, some Iron & Wine, Jose Gonzalez, and, of course, Elliott Smith. Boston’s Marissa Nadler can be added to the list. Shadowy, lush and nearly medieval, Nadler’s echo-laden work is capable of shifting the mood at a staggering speed. "Songs III: Bird on the Water" (Kemado Records) is the artist’s most recent piece, a stroll through dreamy folk, eerie in presentation and execution. Nadler’s voice—angelic, melancholy, bruised—sweeps highs and lows alike, and it’s most effective when she adds her elegant background harmonies. Even a line as simple—or as complicated, depending on how you view it—as "the water is your friend," a pre-chorus of sorts on the hypnotic "Silvia," can make your bones crumble. The mostly finger-picked acoustic guitar on this record is flawless, as well. Ronny’s Bar doesn’t seem like the right venue for this material, but if anything can make a beer-soaked audience shut the fuck up and bow, this can.

Marissa Nadler plays September 5 at Ronny’s Bar, 2103 North California, at 9pm.

(2007-08-28)

Also by Tom Lynch

Echo Effect
Chicago's smart, seamless instrumental four-piece opened eyes wide with 2003’s "Australasia," as the group ingeniously brought instrumental doom back to attention. That record’s follow-up, 2005’s "The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw," is a masterpiece of glacial destruction, the profound melody and thick, nearly impenetrable guitar work by Laurent Lebec and Trevor de Brauw inciting a slow-burning, aggressive riot. The instrumental post-metal spoke at volumes most bands with vocalists could never reach
(2007-08-21)

Tip of the Wee
One of the country’s most pleasing acts, California’s The Ditty Bops—led by Abby DeWald and Amanda Barrett—mix and match elements of folk, bluegrass, swing and blues, driven by perfect vocal harmonies, for a sound that’s nothing short of heavenly
(2007-08-21)

Tip of the Week
Drag City presents an evening of hilarity as it pits together three National Lampoon writers from the 1970s—Chris Miller, Brian McConnachie and Anne Beatts—for a panel discussion
(2007-08-21)

Comparable Comps
The success of compilation records is based on their ability to have the material sound distinguishable, but also carry a certain flow into one another, so as to not completely jar the listener (i.e., cramming Iron Maiden’s "Bring Your Daughter to the Slaughter" next to, I don’t know, "Hey Jude").
(2007-08-17)

Soundcheck
(2007-08-14)

Wright & Wrong
(2007-08-14)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-14)

Tip of the Week
(2007-08-07)

Not Another Music Festival
(2007-07-31)

Tip of the Week
(2007-07-31)

Widespread Euphony
(2007-07-24)

Tip of the Week
(2007-07-24)

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