By the time you reach the muffled, eccentric opening bars of "Tenderness", just past halfway on "Anak Ko", Jay Som's remit is clear. The Los Angeles singer-songwriter has left her shoes, or rather shoegaze, behind. This time she's walking barefoot through a lo-fi musical tapestry, baring soles and heartbreak while musing on the importance of self-value. Highlights are plentiful throughout, from the head-noddingly agreeable "Nighttime Drive" to the jerking, grunge-y "Peace Out", it's equal parts gorgeous and effortlessly- not to mention breathily- cool, sexy and surprising. Perhaps what's most reassuring, though, is that there's every chance this could all come across as affected and a little too self-aware. Nothing could be further from the truth from what we can hear- an honest work representing the next step in the evolution of a truly exciting American indie talent.
Side 1
1. "If You Want It" (3:18)
2. "Superbike" (3:52)
3. "Peace Out" (4:18)
4. "Devotion" (3:32)
5. "Nighttime Drive" (3:14)
Side 2
1. "Tenderness" (4:01)
2. "Anak Ko" (3:39)
3. "Crown" (4:38)
4. "Get Well" (3:59)
By the time you reach the muffled, eccentric opening bars of "Tenderness", just past halfway on "Anak Ko", Jay Som's remit is clear. The Los Angeles singer-songwriter has left her shoes, or rather shoegaze, behind. This time she's walking barefoot through a lo-fi musical tapestry, baring soles and heartbreak while musing on the importance of self-value. Highlights are plentiful throughout, from the head-noddingly agreeable "Nighttime Drive" to the jerking, grunge-y "Peace Out", it's equal parts gorgeous and effortlessly- not to mention breathily- cool, sexy and surprising. Perhaps what's most reassuring, though, is that there's every chance this could all come across as affected and a little too self-aware. Nothing could be further from the truth from what we can hear- an honest work representing the next step in the evolution of a truly exciting American indie talent.
Side 1
1. "If You Want It" (3:18)
2. "Superbike" (3:52)
3. "Peace Out" (4:18)
4. "Devotion" (3:32)
5. "Nighttime Drive" (3:14)
Side 2
1. "Tenderness" (4:01)
2. "Anak Ko" (3:39)
3. "Crown" (4:38)
4. "Get Well" (3:59)