Smother Magazine
Songstress Lara Herscovitch weaves a tapestry of strong songwriting, lyrical prowess, and awe-inspiring vocals with a neatly folded pop edge. Her music is far removed from the seemingly bland folk-pop that seems to permeate coffee houses and small pubs up and down the east coast. Her La Rama Records is based in her native Connecticut and is the perfect catapult for launching her far-reaching poetic lyrical wit and smartly fashioned folk ballads. Another true gem from Lara.
Phoenix is hot. Not only because of what registers on thermometers but due to the brooding and developing music scene. Try Me Bicycle was one of the bands that brought some well-deserved attention to the Arizona scene. “Voicings” was originally recorded and released in 2006, and is now available throughout North America via this re-release this fall. The trio blends organic musical soundscapes that are awash in harmony and emotion. Carefully picked guitars melt into the gentle piano and the coffeehouse hushed vocals. Indie-pop that is glorious in both scope and breadth is a rare treat; Try Me Bicycle is one of those endearing sweet inspirations that finds a listener comforted in a beautiful rediscovery of past Simon & Garfunkel-esque pop melodies. Stirring.
I’ve been wholly impressed by Suzy Callahan’s heartfelt and smart lyrical content ever since I was blessed enough to review her previous albums. She once again strips away expectations with bright and clever wordplay amid a modern day coffeehouse folk-pop album. Spiritually calculating and ethereal hooks comprise the vast majority of the songs contained on “My Own Personal Watermelon”, which was tracked in analog and digital in equal parts by producer Scott Tyburski. The title refers to the new seedless variety of mini watermelons that you may see at a grocery store. In fact this morning when I was at the store I saw some for sale and was tempted to buy one and munch away while listening to Suzy’s cute, poetic and tender tunes.
