Jess Pillmore brings a gritty side to her electric folk songs on Reveal. She is a complex songwriter, stringing stories and thoughts into song. At times, this disc is sort of like reading the journal of someone who desperately wants to be happy, but doesn't hold out any hope of that becoming a reality.
"Atlanta" is almost spoken word beat poetry, with a stark rhythm that lends itself well to Pillmore's minimalistic guitar work. "Siberia" is an insular song, about trying to feel safe while alone in a crowd. "Quick" decries the instant gratification lifestyle that most Americans expect these days -- it begrudges the loss of quality. Cynical, yet wistful, the protagonist finally accepts the lifestyle, yet not taking it to heart.
As a singer, Pillmore ranges in the arenas of Miranda Stone, Mary Gauthier, and Tori Amos. This being my first acquaintance with her work, this disc is enough to my liking that I will be seeking out Slightly Skewed, the predecessor to Reveal. This disc is intelligently written, emotionally challenging, and sung in such a way to draw you in, just to see what is behind the strong front Pillmore attempts to erect. Yet, you can see the fragility lurking just behind it if you pay attention.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
Decapolis November 2005Reviewed by Jacob GehmanJess Pillmore is an artist made for compilation appearances, purevolume downloads, or a bridge artist on mix tapes. She has just enough vocal talent, song composition skills, and intrigue over the duration of one of her better songs to lure interest in a listener. She has just enough to cause someone to look her up on itunes or add her to a Christmas list based on one song. Unfortunately,…Similar sounding releases
2001JacobstoneChambers and Volumes
2005John VanderslicePixel Revolt
2003Ric HordinskiWhen I Consider How My Light Is Spent
1998Victoria WilliamsMusings of a Creekdipper
2003Daniel LanoisShine
2001The FramesFor the Birds
