LARA EWEN AND THE UNSTRUNG ORCHESTRA

Ghosts and Gasoline

2007-09-12

Lara Ewen and the Unstrung Orchestra's debut album, Ghosts and Gasoline, leaves behind the lingering scent of "perfume, cigarettes and booze." Ewen's 11 believable tales are complemented by a sliding and sultry acoustic guitar, and the result is a ruggedly tender trip to heartache. From "The Airport Song" to "Manhattan to Kansas" (by train) to "A Way to You" via automobile. She even takes a stab at time travel in "20 Years Ago." Ewen is at her best in the autobiographical "Clear," as a woman who is struggling for perspective, who at times "got all hunched over with those American dreams." Despite her reliance on a few lyrical cliches, Ewen's impassioned treks really satisfy, and it would appear that this Manhattan mermaid has found a home. Track 6 "Clear" contains "shit."

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 11/2006

    YUSUF ISLAAM AKA CAT STEVENS
    An Other Cup

  • reviewed 02/2006

    THE LITTLE WILLIES
    The Little Willies

  • reviewed 11/2006

    GOB IRON
    Death Songs For The Living

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Edwin McCain
    Lost In America

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Seth Bernard and Daisy May
    The Copper Country Quintet

  • reviewed 04/2006

    Rachel Sage
    The Blistering Sun

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.