Saltbreakers

iTunes Review

Seattle singer-songwriter Laura Veirs continues to expand her means of expression with her third Nonesuch release (after several indy releases introduced her introspective soul). With her well-seasoned touring group backing her, Veirs enjoys the playful chemistry that comes through the intuitive channels. This isn’t your standard acoustic guitar and cello set-up. She uses her full band. There’s an optimistic bounce coursing through “Don’t Lose Yourself,” an unapologetic perkiness to “Wandering Kind” and the title track, and a garage rock passion to “Phantom Mountain.” Yet, this northwestern Suzanne Vega — polite, literate and most comfortable in a coffeehouse setting — never sacrifices intimacy. Her gorgeously double-tracked vocals create a swirling effect that adds an excited edge to these demure folk songs so obsessed with the earthly textures of sand and sea. “Nightingale,” “Ocean Night Song” (highlighted by Eyvind Kang’s viola), “Drink Deep,” and “To the Country” (recorded in Johnny Cash’s Nashville cabin), with its eight-piece choir supporting, make for a satisfying three-dimensional approach.