(Lulu & Co. Records)

From New York to Byron Bay

Tragedy often makes for depth and fine morbid song-writing; after all, people are known to accentuate and focus on the negative rather than the positive. However, that is definitely not the case with Susanna Carman, sure the songs are well written but there is a distinct lack of morbidity. Holy, a release preceded by Carman’s own personal connections to 9/11 and various other scars of misfortune finds peace in quirky indie-folk. Charming the listener with intelligent and truthful storytelling, this release shimmers and unassumingly approaches the listener with a complete lack of self-pity. Carman’s delicate and restrained musicianship lends to the stories a fine balance that seems so necessary for such heavy topics. In fact, such a balance isn’t exactly a true balance – for while the instruments are definitely adequate, it is Carman’s lyrics that are true essence of the release. Restrained, sharp and completely human, Holy is an album that can be best described as triumph in the face of sadness.

DAVID FANNON

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