Lisa O'Neill

Vancouver, BC singer-songwriter Lisa O'Neill's self-released debut is a down-tempo collection brimming with atmosphere. With East Van fixtures Jesse Waldman on guitar and Nick Stecz on drums, O'Neill builds layered compositions that shiver with blissful melancholy. The disc begins with "Partner," a dreamy blossom of a song that opens up into a lush bouquet boasting more than a hint of Mazzy Star in its airy vocals. Instrumental touches, such as the chiming Fender Rhodes on "Trouble" and lap steel on "Leave," add edge and tension that counteract the sweetness of O'Neill's voice. The jazzy "Letter," the country-tinged "Leave" and the grubbier guitar vibe of "Give It Up" change the pace just as the mood turns a little too morose. Though some of the brighter tunes might have benefited from a lighter hand on the reverb knob, O'Neill's range and versatility as a songwriter are evident throughout this lovely collection.