No one damns with faint praise like the British. When a UK critic recently compared Anglo-Greek artist Athena Andreadis’s singing on her debut EP Snapshot to Joan Baez, the association neatly identified the characteristic of the recording that had been causing me problems. To her credit, Athena is taking a significant risk, performing five sparse songs with only very understated accompaniment by acoustic guitar and double bass. Depending on your perspective, her voice is either foregrounded or exposed. To my ear, the vocal is a little forced. However, to fans of Baez, Loreena McKennitt and their ilk, Athena’s ethereal debut will be more warmly received.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Athena - Snapshot (Embraceable)
No one damns with faint praise like the British. When a UK critic recently compared Anglo-Greek artist Athena Andreadis’s singing on her debut EP Snapshot to Joan Baez, the association neatly identified the characteristic of the recording that had been causing me problems. To her credit, Athena is taking a significant risk, performing five sparse songs with only very understated accompaniment by acoustic guitar and double bass. Depending on your perspective, her voice is either foregrounded or exposed. To my ear, the vocal is a little forced. However, to fans of Baez, Loreena McKennitt and their ilk, Athena’s ethereal debut will be more warmly received.
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