Review: “The Rushing Dark,” by Laura Gibson


TRACK 5

“The Rushing Dark”

From Laura Gibson’s La Grande

Liner notes: Her voice filtered through layers of distortion and noise to simulate the effect of an antique recording, Laura Gibson murmurs, “For all the wandering I have done/I could not repent enough,” on this eerie track from her death-obsessed fourth solo album.

Behind the music: Starting small, the Portland, Oregon-based folkie self-released her 2004 debut and played gigs at kindergartens, AIDS hospices, and prisons. Her more recent credits include vocals on Colin Meloy Sings Sam Cooke—an unlikely EP from the Decemberists’ leader—and an equally unlikely contribution to a Led Zeppelin tribute album.

Check it out if you like: Women who revitalize familiar styles, such as Alela Diane, Madeleine Peyroux, and Eilen Jewell.

Image: Vince Kmeron/Flickr

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