State of Grace: Soulful Rock Hits The Right Chords
Nov 05 '03 (Updated Nov 05 '03)
Pros
Dara's voice and lyrics...
Cons
Not at all challenging...
The Bottom Line
A good, brief introduction to Alicia Dara's music.
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With a thick, soulful swagger Vancouver native Alicia Dara blends rock and soul with a dash of cabaret to create a sound she’s coined to be “goddess rock.” And, in reality, that phrase is absolutely fitting to the music contained on Dara’s 2003 EP State of Grace.
Dara has an intense confidence about her without coming off as forced or insincere. The minimalist production is fitting to the theme of the album—love. Every song contained on State of Grace is written around love, but fortunately Dara doesn’t try to make everything sticky sweet and easy to digest. Her version of love is something less than perfect, therefore it is realistic.
Produced by Tom Hall (Queensryche), State of Grace isn’t perfect but with that said it is organic and lovely and not in the least bit abrasive. Dara possesses a comforting, feminine voice and a knack for writing songs that reminds me of fellow folkies Michelle Shocked, Natalie Merchant, and Lucinda Williams. It is important to note that the only flaw I see with State of Grace is that it isn’t adventurous nor does it seem a stretch. But for now, it will do, and it serves as a good introduction to a woman who manages to write her own music along with playing guitars—not to mention self-releasing her albums on Stegosaurus Records.
State of Grace is an all-too-brief window into the soul of Alicia Dara. She shines throughout most of the EP with only a modest stumble here and there. My biggest qualm with the album is indeed that it doesn’t even attempt to bend the borders, much less shatter them. In any case, I do appreciate and enjoy Dara’s voice and her songs and her lyrics. That combination is what makes Dara stand out from the crowd of independent female singer-songwriters.
While all the songs are pretty decent, there are two of the five that hit closest to home. Album opener State of Grace is funky and free but also cool and wonderful. I adore the groovy guitars not to mention Dara’s vocal style. It seems particularly fitted to this style of soulful rock. And those lyrics…well…
Take my hand and lead me on
As a child I spoke as a child
This voice is my home, I've been waiting so long
And it tears me up inside
The other standout is the intense, thoughtful, acoustic In the Night. The melody is definitely melancholic but also crystalline and true. Dara’s ability to speak from the heart is definitely an asset to her brand of rock. If she lacked sincerity, I wouldn’t be able to take her work seriously. But I believe every word…and this is a major strength.
State of Grace is a decently impressive EP. I’ve yet to be acquainted with Dara’s earlier work, but I’d be interested in examining solo releases Toys and Alchemy in particular. This Seattle resident is definitely one to watch.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Track Listing:
1. State of Grace
2. Inside the Charm
3. Stranger
4. In the Night
5. Temporary Tattoo
Recommended:
Yes
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