Laura Gibson’s new album is out, and unfortunately “Beasts of Seasons” didn’t really astound me. It was all very lovely and emotional, but it was like reading a literary novel versus a piece of genre fiction…. It was all about careful development and exploration of the innermost feelings. In that way it filled the space of time it took to listen with the honey of Laura Gibson’s voice, and with her chatoyant musings and introspection. But there was no action, no twists, no particular magical moment that really hooked into me and didn’t let go. Just sincere, and at times face-slapping realism. And, to be honest, I found it, like too many literary fictions, a little bit boring. There was next to no variation in the sound of the songs, though beautiful, and I swear the songs and the spacing of the lyrics within them just got slower as the album went on. None of the songs stood out to me except for the charming and animated, ‘Spirited’. That one is definitely worth a listen.

But overall listening to the album was like dripping molasses. Very sweet and slow moving. If you hear one song from the album and enjoy it, I can almost guarantee you’ll like them all, and that’s not meant as a jibe. She has a very stable sound which she carries throughout the album and for those who love this style they will be sure to recognize Gibson’s newest release as a gem. I didn’t really enjoy “Beasts of Seasons” but I can see why it’s being called a masterpiece by those who enjoy this elegant type of singer/songwriter work.

This song isn’t on the album, it’s by a group called the Portland Cello Project, but it does feature Laura Gibson and the style is similar.

Portland Cello Project feat. Laura Gibson- Hands In Pockets.m4a