LARA EWEN AND THE UNSTRUNG ORCHESTRA

Ghosts and Gasoline

2007-09-12

Lara Ewen and the Unstrung Orchestra's debut album, Ghosts and Gasoline, leaves behind the lingering scent of "perfume, cigarettes and booze." Ewen's 11 believable tales are complemented by a sliding and sultry acoustic guitar, and the result is a ruggedly tender trip to heartache. From "The Airport Song" to "Manhattan to Kansas" (by train) to "A Way to You" via automobile. She even takes a stab at time travel in "20 Years Ago." Ewen is at her best in the autobiographical "Clear," as a woman who is struggling for perspective, who at times "got all hunched over with those American dreams." Despite her reliance on a few lyrical cliches, Ewen's impassioned treks really satisfy, and it would appear that this Manhattan mermaid has found a home. Track 6 "Clear" contains "shit."

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Folk

  • reviewed 11/2016

    Aaron Lee Tasjan
    Silver Tears

  • reviewed 11/2007

    BOCA CHICA
    Transform Into Beasts

  • reviewed 10/2015

    Caroline Aiken
    Broken Wings Heal

  • reviewed 02/2007

    PO GIRL
    Home to You

  • reviewed 12/1969

    Peter Rudy
    Mud Shack

  • reviewed 08/2007

    AMY LeVERE
    Anchors and Anvils

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.