Annabella

Album Review

In the '90s band 22 Brides, Libby Johnson and her sister Carrie flitted between sincere, Lilith Fair-esque folk and a harder-edged, quasi-punk yet melodic onslaught that brought a considerable amount of attention to the band. On her debut solo album, Libby's broken out and forged a more intimate, individualistic blend that allows her songs and stylistic wanderings more room to breathe. Playing piano and guitars, and backed by a fine crew including the great drummer Steve Jordan, Johnson often turns here to a soulful, rhythmic approach that accents her intimate lyrics without overwhelming them. "Undone" pulls out tentatively, Johnson employing a soft, breathy, multi-tracked voice that gradually swells in intensity — with the band following suit — as she unravels her tale of a disintegrating life. "Don't Mean You Lost Your Love," the driving opening track, builds around a looping, broad-stroked electric guitar riff that hooks from the first notes. But in order to keep things monotony-free, Johnson gets gritty with the hushed blues "Mi la Vie," dabbles in country in the metaphoric "Rain," and displays a placid side on ballads such as "Under the Gate" and the earnest "Another Life," with its rich pianistry.