I like a record that grows throughout its playlist. Â Like a fine wine that starts with a mouthful of fruit, but then spices and oak and earthiness build across the palate for a wonderfully complex flavor. Â The latest album from Kara Suzanne and her band, the Gojo Hearts, is kind of like that. Â It starts with a plaintive, minimalist little tune, grows into an indie-pop effort, marches into full retro rock & roll mode, and finishes with a jazz hall, clarinet solo flourish.
The album starts with You’re For Real, a melody that reminds me of something Erika Wennstrom might do. Â It shows Kara’s voice nicely, but barely hints at what’s to come. Â By the third track, Eyes Wide, things have picked up a lot and the record is taking on a pop edge and mightbe a Rilo Kiley or Feist recording. Â Parlor Walls, the title track, adds even more guitar and drums, and Bits of Blue layers in some background horns.
With the next song, Doses, the album really hits its stride. Â This could be Sun Studios and Sam Phillips in the heyday. Â Listen to Not Doin’ and tell me it’s not a Jerry Lee Lewis number. Â This is also a good point to give a shout out to the band. Â The Gojo Hearts don’t get a big billing on this record, but they are essential. Â With all the styles and instrumentation, these guys are amazing. Â The last song, Wake Up With Me, Â is a showcase for their talents ranging from organs and electronic pop to honky-tonk piano and horns to the aforementioned clarinet solo.
There are a couple of tunes on the album that have trouble holding their weight and with the entire disc tipping the scale at barely 35 minutes I suppose they had to be included to elevate Parlor Walls past being a long EP. Â But the overall effort is one that will keep you going back for just another sip.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.