Album reviews of the week: Spygirl and Soulsavers

By: Shazia Khan

Posted: 11/15/07

Spygirl - Pieces of Evidence

This Vancouver-based six-piece has developed quite a knack for tight, sophisticated pop-rock songwriting with their second full-length, Pieces of Evidence, a collection of urbane, accessible tunes which display flecks of soul, jazz and electronic influence. Most of the tracks center on piano or keyboard compositions, complimented nicely by light electric guitar and the occasional trumpet.

The record also contains some beautiful vocal harmonies, as heard in the memorable choruses of pieces such as "Awake Asleep" and "Feeling Fine". The first single, "Today", is an obvious standout - with its heart-tugging melody, chugging rhythm and catchy refrains, the song is sure to stick in your head after just one spin.

Pieces of Evidence moves at a leisurely pace, making for a relaxing listening experience. There are, however, some potential drawbacks with this pacing; while the consistency may be enjoyable for some, it may become monotonous for others who desire more variability and experimentation in their music. Nonetheless, for those looking for a pop fix that's got heart & soul, Spygirl provides a pleasing solution.

Soulsavers - It's Not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land

"Spirituality" in music is associated with some pretty negative connotations (admittedly, just hearing the words "Christian rock" sends shudders down my spine). However, music can deal with religion in a way that's far more interesting than the one-dimensional "God-is-Great" stereotype, and the Soulsavers are a wonderful testament to that.

The UK-based production & remix team collaborated with American vocalist Mark Lanegan for their second full-length disc - one that subverts conventional country ballads and gospel hymns to question the existence of God, heaven and the notion of "pure" living. Although the Soulsavers are often tagged as electronica, their use of traditional-sounding church music, coupled with authentic instrumentation (like acoustic and lap-steel guitar), makes for a very warm and emotionally-charged record.

And then, of course, there's the contribution of Mark Lanegan; those gravelly, whisky-soaked cords of his seem to work for almost any genre of music he decides to sing, whether it's the punishing stoner-rock of Queens of the Stone Age, the angelic folk-balladry of Isobel Campbell, or his own bluesy pieces. Here, on tracks like the throbbing "Paper Money" and the soft ballad "Spiritual", the former Screaming Trees frontman laments his sinful behaviour and begs for salvation; with lyrics like "Heaven's so far away" and "Jesus, I don't wanna die alone", the weariness and defeat in his voice is so genuine, it's haunting.

The album also contains covers of Neil Young and The Rolling Stones, and features several other guests, like Jimi Goodwin (Doves) and Will Oldham. But even with all these various external influences, It's not How Far You Fall, It's the Way You Land creates an environment that's intensely intimate and powerful - almost a "religious experience", you might say.