Chris Pureka CD review, take two

pureka.jpgChris Pureka

Often times when music journalists are handed a copy of some artist's brand new CD and told to review it, they listen to it once and write a quick, un-thorough review. Well, after sitting down and listening to Chris Pureka's "How I Learned to See in the Dark" (her sound is reminiscent of Patty Griffin, but with a voice as soft and sultry as that of Jodie Foster) on repeat for a good 3 hours, something occurred to me. My first review of her album was not a fair assessment of her work. The Boston Globe put it best when they said "... you have to listen to each song twice, once for her guitar playing and again for her passionate lyrics about love, loss and hope."

They weren’t kidding. This is the kind of music you have to let seep in. Listen to each instrument separately and then together. Listen to her voice, and then focus on the lyrics. Once you do all of these things individually, and then play the record once more from front to back, it’ll sound completely different. It’ll grow on you.

The opening track, “Wrecking Ball,” could very easily be the album’s single. The song opens with a few seconds of guitar feedback and then dives right into the songs up-tempo beat. Think of it as something along the lines of a folk head banger. You hear it, and your head will immediately start bobbing along. The acoustic guitar, drums and fiddle on top of Pureka’s quivering voice combine to form one of the best tracks on the record.

In keeping with the calm violin conclusion to the second track, “Hangman,” the third track “Shipwreck” quietly opens with Pureka’s acoustic guitar and some loaded lyrics that paint a picture for the listener. The music builds and falls until the chorus when Pureka sings in the most distressing fashion, “Sometimes I wish that the tide would take me,” as symbols crash together, like waves colliding with a cliff. It’ll break your heart in the best way possible.

Shipwreck - Chris Pureka

The lyrics of “Barn Song” paint a picture just like those on “Shipwreck,” except, like its title might suggest, this track has more twang to it. It’s somewhat contradictory with its slow pace yet up-beat feel but is relaxing all at the same time. “Barn Song” seems to be a throwback to Pureka’s previous work, and would probably fit snuggly on “Dryland,” the singer’s 2006 release.

Grab some tissues for this next one, “Song for November.” If your heart hasn’t been broken yet by Pureka’s yearning vocals and nostalgic lyrics, once Pureka’s voice picks up on this track, your heart will absolutely shatter. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. This song will undoubtedly land a number one spot on your next break-up playlist.

“Lowlands” must have been strategically placed after “Song for November” to dry up the tears. It’s arguably the most upbeat song on the record, and much more country-tinged than the rest. Its banjo and fast-paced guitars are downright amusing and might just have you up and dancing around the room.

On iTunes, the most downloaded (and longest) song from the whole record, by far, is the love and loss themed track “Time is the Anchor.” It’s even more haunting, if possible, than “Landlocked,” showing Pureka at her most honest. Her musical range is outstanding, from barely audible whispers to then pushing her voice so intensely, it dangers on cracking when she shouts “You just don’t know me, you don’t know me at all.” It’s not hard to see why this song took the cake with the digital downloaders.

“How I Learned to See in the Dark” showcases Pureka’s best work to date. It’s clear that she’s been hard at work since her first self-titled release in 2001, and has evolved greatly from 2004’s “Driving North” and “Dryland.” While this record has its flaws, overall it’s a brilliant piece of work that deserves a thorough listen. Actually, make that two.

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