Before The Future

“Before The Future” Rebecca Schiffman
4th album from the L.A.-based singer-songwriter, originally from NYC. Schiffman is an extraordinary artist in every sense — a painter and jewelry designer in addition to a superb musician. Her melodies creep into your subconscious where they settle and remain as familiar friends. The thoughtful song lyrics are delivered in a vulnerable storytelling style and seem to draw upon life experiences and personal observations. This is a warm, witty and wonderfully human collection of songs you’ll enjoy again and again. RIYL: Cate Le Bon, Camera Obscura, Frankie Cosmos or Belle and Sebastian’s female vocals.
— Francis

Recommended: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7. No FCCs detected.

1. (9:05) Before The Future — An absolute gem! Lovely, melodic and jangly. Captivating, airy vocals backed by strings and sweet harmonies, reminiscent of the best of the 60s. Simple tapping rhythm. Lyrics provide a bittersweet retrospective of a friendship from her teenage years. ****
2. (4:25) Little Mr. Civility — Bouncy and fun Moog synthesizer pop, with a catchy bass line and confident tumbling rhythm. Lyrics about the unexpected joys and challenges of raising her toddler son. ****
3. (2:58) Rudy’s Song — Sentimental tribute to a cherished family dog. Halting ballad with simple guitar, bass and drums.
4. (3:03) Bubble Of Love — Up-tempo with a restless energy. Solid backbeat rhythm with a slightly punky vibe. Subtle backing harmonies in the chorus. Synthesized horns. ***
5. (3:06) The Mercenary — Funky groove with a hint of a reggae beat. Tinkling synth. Syncopated rhythm. More synthesized horns. ***
6. (3:09) Dear Gwennie — Deliberate, thoughtful pop. Prominent bass line. Cello and synth strings. Vocals down in the mix. Swirling effects in the lead break.
7. (4:27) Guy Pascal Guy — Mid-tempo piano folk pop. Weaves guitar and bass into a catchy melody, with reassuring brass accents. ***
8. (5:47) Beach Vacation — Avant-garde pop with an insistent pulse-like bass-and-guitar groove and a steady rhythm. The lyrics are inspired by a childhood memory of a family trip to the beach, which in recollection, Schiffman perceives as compressing time from the past into the future. Mesmerizing trail-out. Ends suddenly. Slightly reminiscent of Talking Heads.