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Hailing from the Windy City, singer-songwriter Laura Joy offers up her sophomore effort – a five-song EP, Between Our Words.  Low-voltage, lo-fi and warm, this is a fine mixture of acoustic based pop (!) and soothing vocals.  For someone who seems to tour on a tireless schedule, this effort is upbeat and emits an embracing vibe.

“Takes A While”, the opening track, offers muted/brushed drums, subtle keyboard and nice acoustic guitar with Laura Joy’s vocals not needing any effects to help push across the feel.  “Courting Disaster” (a very clever double entendre) has a jaunty near-country feel and “Between Our Words” is a gentle, soulful number with some lovely acoustic flourishes.  “Moving On” is the EP’s standout; a quality break-up song with introspectively-wise lyrics (“I feel the ebb and flow of heartache/photographs of you resonate…”) and “Phoenix”, which closes out the set is another highlight and offers a spark of hope in lyrics that describe flight.

If this EP is an indication of what Laura Joy can do, then I look forward to what she may offer next – especially in the form of a full-length album.  Fine songwriting, a voice that fits the songs perfectly and the right backing accompaniment – the perfect balance.

RECOMMENDED

Between Our Words is available now

http://laurajoymusic.com/

EP Reviews, Music, New Artists

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About the Author

Rob Ross

Rob Ross has been, for good, bad or indifferent, involved in the music industry for over 30 years - first as guitarist/singer/songwriter with The Punch Line, then as freelance journalist, producer and manager to working for independent and major record labels. He resides in Staten Island, New York with his wife and cats; he works out a lot, reads voraciously, loves Big Star and his orange Gretsch. Doesn't that make him neat?

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