Grus Americanus by Stephanie's ID

a Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

This was sent to me as sort of a fluke. Another artist asked her label to send her own CD to me. The label, knowing what I like, sent this one along with it. I'm so glad. This is a very unique and strange record which of course that means I love it.

The opening song, Wash Us Down With Sea Saline is an attention getter to be sure. With it's demanding percussion line and up-front vocals. You just have to stand up and notice. It sounds great loud. This song actually reminds me of another artist that's not well known but should be, Nina Haynes.

She does this almost squeak thing with her voice that reminds me of Björk. She also uses some cool distortion and effects on her voice that make these songs very interesting. They're also really well written which means she wouldn't have to have the effects, but they do add so much.

I love the strings on Just Wanna Show Ya

On Aeroplanes the piano is dominant and it's lovely. It's much more soft that most of the other songs which shows she's not only about effects. But just damn good songwriting and instrumentation.

I really like this record and I'm glad someone had the foresight to send it to me. It's going in my personal rotation. Put it in yours too!

Posted on November 30, 2007