Anna Rae was one of my very first reviews for Red Line way back in February of 2013…I know, going WAY back! I was a fan of Anna Rae’s back then and I am still a fan now. Her new release “High Stakes” hits on similar sounds and themes as her previous release, but fleshes things out a bit with the sonic choices.
Anna’s voice is still the star of the show. Undecorated, natural beauty is how it sticks out to me. She truly is an effortless singer. There is just some sense of simplicity and unsoiled pleasantness to her voice. I plainly enjoy listening to it. She layers her own voice on top of her own lead shockingly well as well. Perhaps due to my own faults in this realm I am easily impressed, but her voice complements itself incredibly well!
The songs are driven by her expertly played thumping bass lines. Everything (musically) really dances around that. There is a sense of ‘pop’ to her songs that is evident without being overly poppy. The sound still lays somewhere in the independent alternative rock realm, but has a span that could be enjoyed by a vast array of folks. I think that speaks volumes about her work and writing.
There’s something about this collection of songs that screams “movie soundtrack” to me for some reason. I don’t know why, but it just does. Maybe everything is screaming that at me lately. I don’t know, but it’s certainly not a bad thing.
Overall the collection of tunes is really great. A somewhat short and concise listen, but I spun it over quite a few times. The songs are all different enough to make you want to do so, but attains a cohesiveness that truly works. Be sure to check this EP out. You will dig it.
Be sure to check out Anna Rae and band NEXT WEEK at one of my favorite places, The Lizard Lounge with some other great acts. Below for link and more info!
May 29, Lizard Lounge Doors at 8:30, music at 9 (Anna Rae’s band is first) tickets: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/677854 with Slant of Light, and Hayley Jane and the Primates