Review

As its title suggests, the first release for alt. folk singer Foreign Slippers was born out of the experience of death. Its varied subject matter, whether personal, mystical or romantic, is filtered through the lens of this loss. Gabrielle Froden, as she is otherwise known, has a created a dark treat of a record, which is so laden with poignant beauty and regret that it seems to stir memories from the womb.

Foreign Slippers’ sparse sound is warm and uncomplicated, making use of a surprisingly wide variety of instruments. Her voice recalls the delicate intonations of Emiliana Torrini, or the cool, otherworldly croon of Kate Bush, and at times the soulful textures of Gillian Welch. When gentle nostalgic whisperings give way to searing full-bodied lamentation, you’re feeling like you’ve listened to the musical equivalent of Grey’s Anatomy’s weepiest episode.

Opener ‘Packed the Car’ documents a day trip, a hazy, glowing memory of a summer’s day culminating in boozy fireside reminiscences between old friends. The title track, meanwhile, is transfixing in its melancholic, meditative repetition, nailing you to your seat with an extraordinary depth of feeling. Sad though her songs often are, they are buoyed by the comfort of friends, with soothing poetry about the way things are, and hopeful hints of the way things could be. Foreign Slippers’ first release augurs well for a forthcoming full length that is currently at the mixing stage. We wait in eager anticipation. Aaron Kennedy

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DOWNLOAD: ‘PACKED THE CAR’, ‘FISHERMAN’.
FOR FANS OF: ‘EMILIANA TORRINI’, ‘KRISTIN HERSH’, ‘GILLIAN WELCH’.

Posted on: June 2, 2009