Frazey Ford

Indian Ocean

If you’re in the mood for Basia Bulat with a more folked-out twang, or Ohbijou without the oh, then Frazey Ford’s (Be Good Tanyas) latest solo LP will win you over. Accompanied by subtle horns (“Three Golden Trees” and “Runnin’”) gentle organ (“You Got Religion” and “Weather Pattern”) and a decent mix of subdued electric guitars, drums and bass, Ford’s vocals rest comfortably overtop of all these Starbucks-ready arrangements. Lyrically, she’s got your number - if you want to have fun, pine over lost love or just kick back with a good book, there’s something here for you. It’s also a very timeless record, as it could equally sit next to anything produced in the last 60 years. Its biggest flaw? It feels too much like background music. After listening to the disc, I’m not left with a memory of any song in particular, just a feeling, which is equal parts beautiful and frustrating.

Published in Volume 69, Number 8 of The Uniter (October 22, 2014)

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