Eve Owen's debut album Don't Let the Ink Dry is the perfect electro-folk escapist fantasy for these claustrophobic times. Written over three summers with production help from the National's Aaron Dessner, Don't Let the Ink Dry is an imaginative album that embodies feelings of escape and coming of age.
"Tudor" opens the album with a childlike wonder as 20-year-old Owen (daughter of actor Clive) guides the listener through fables of demons singing lullabies and barefooted children. "Mother" finds Owen navigating an emotional reckoning and seeking solace in a mother. It slowly builds itself out allowing the drum machine and guitar to blend into a layered but quiet composition. The nostalgia-tinged "She Says" calls on the same mother with warm lyrics of home, innocence and comfort, while "After the Love" haunts you with its renaissance-like guitar and howling vocals.
With its hints of an uptempo, "For Redemption" stands out as one of the album's hookier numbers, while "Bluebird" and "I Used to Dream in Color" showcase Owen's evocative lyricism, while heartbreaking album closer "A Lone Swan" features nuance befitting a songwriter twice Owen's age.
Owen's musical aptitude is undeniable, with her beautiful voice and otherworldly lyricism complemented by veteran collaborators like multi-instrumentalist Rob Moose (Bon Iver, Perfume Genius) and pianist Thomas Bartlett (a.k.a. Doveman). Don't Let the Ink Dry is a promising debut that showcases true talent.
(37d03d)"Tudor" opens the album with a childlike wonder as 20-year-old Owen (daughter of actor Clive) guides the listener through fables of demons singing lullabies and barefooted children. "Mother" finds Owen navigating an emotional reckoning and seeking solace in a mother. It slowly builds itself out allowing the drum machine and guitar to blend into a layered but quiet composition. The nostalgia-tinged "She Says" calls on the same mother with warm lyrics of home, innocence and comfort, while "After the Love" haunts you with its renaissance-like guitar and howling vocals.
With its hints of an uptempo, "For Redemption" stands out as one of the album's hookier numbers, while "Bluebird" and "I Used to Dream in Color" showcase Owen's evocative lyricism, while heartbreaking album closer "A Lone Swan" features nuance befitting a songwriter twice Owen's age.
Owen's musical aptitude is undeniable, with her beautiful voice and otherworldly lyricism complemented by veteran collaborators like multi-instrumentalist Rob Moose (Bon Iver, Perfume Genius) and pianist Thomas Bartlett (a.k.a. Doveman). Don't Let the Ink Dry is a promising debut that showcases true talent.