Wine Dark Sea

Jolie Holland
Wine Dark Sea

Reviewed by BravoMarco

One of the founder members of “The Be Good Tanyas” Jolie Holland has created yet another folk rock Americana crossover. All the influences are here – blues, jazz, country, and bluegrass. Some tracks have a rougher edge to them. These stand out for me. Versatile vocal talent with intriguing lyrics – Almost like a female Tom Waits (…can that be said?) Lots of singers/bands seemingly attempt to create this type of sound – I think, this works really well.
No FCC’s
All good-In particular 1,3,5,9,10

1) On And On (3.56) Warm & fuzzy with velvety vocals. Big sound on offer here, mid paced feedback charged belter.
2) First Sign Of Spring (4.52) Mellow piano intro leading to a raspier ballad number. Picks up the pace mid way through.
3) Dark Days (5.18) Superior rock- country track. Play loud.
4) Route 30 (4.51) Whistling intro, then onto a twangy, thumbs in your belt loops merriment.
5) I Thought It Was The Moon (4.02) Slow paced & packed full of energy.
6) The Love You Save (5.14) Ballad, with a blues feel.
7) All The Love (4.11) More up beat than the previous track – Soulful quality.
8) Saint Dymphna (6.14) Heart felt track to warm you up.
9) Palm Wine Drunkard (6.06) Powerful voice leading the way. Head nodding ecstasy. Top drawer.
10) Out On The Wine Dark Sea (5.51) Mean & moody. Lying down in a ditch, looking up at the stars & loving it – The highlight.
11) Waiting For The Sun (3.59) R&B standard – mid paced with some extra oomph.