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Album Details
- Artist: Heather O' Neill
- EP: A Feminist Manifesto
- Label: Firebelly
- Year of Release: 2011
- ME Rating:
- Reviewed by: charlesmartel on 2011-07-15
RecommendYou might be forgiven for thinking that this six-track EP by Irish-born singer-songwriter Heather O’Neill would not be something that your average Joe chose to listen to. Average Joe would be making a mistake, for while A Feminist Manifesto has, underpinning it, the effect and function of misogyny in today’s society, the EP is far from the manifesto its title would have you believe. More descriptive than didactic, A Feminist Manifesto observes the failings of the world without standing up too quickly to condemn. And it does so in a manner which is not without appeal.
“1000 Springs” is the outstanding track and something which deserves a wider audience. Violinist Jerry Goodman lays down a sound which is so eerily familiar that it seems almost as if you could be listening to the Waterboys. Then on “Monique” the lone, almost plaintiff horn is strongly jazz influenced but never to a point that it takes over or dominates. Pride of place, in terms of instruments, goes to the guitar which is allowed to hold the rest of the arrangement together in such a way as to display either some pretty professional production skills or some top quality instrumentation – I cannot tell which and that in itself says something. The music displays a variety of influences of which soul and jazz predominate. Yet this is not some blue eyed soul, nor even modern jazz. The influences are combined with blues and rock to culminate in a style Ms. O’Neill can describe her own.
Over all of this the sound is the voice of Ms. O’Neill herself. It is a voice which is hard to pin down and which any comparison may not only be misplaced as offensive. If I had to, the nearest approximation in terms of tone and timbre would be Martha (of Muffins fame) but even that would fall a bit wide of the mark. The lyrics are full of clever imagery, though they may be a bit too clever for some, I fear. The whole comes together on a series of six engaging, if not challenging songs, one of which is outstanding. This has the potential to be something quite interesting and is one to watch for the future.
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on 2012-02-02 Michael_Morrison Said:
Most would agree most popular artists out there have something truly special to give to their fans. This goes above the typical attributes like raw talent, amazing songs, nice voice, or even a very marketable look, sound and image. There's something truly infectious at the core of these artists that simply makes us feel good when we listen to them. Whatever "it" is - they all seem to have "it".
Today I listened to the latest 6 song EP from Irish born, Chicago based singer/songwriter Heather O'Neill (Feminist Manifest) 2011. Venturing to her website it is a very professional presentation showing this is her third release. From start to finish this short but sweet release from O'Neill is very pleasurable. It has a very soothing R&B, Folksy-Rock quality to it and even dabbles in Pop Rock and even Alternative Rock. Any fans of any of these musical styles will enjoy this latest release from O'Neill no doubt. It's clearly marketed for those who like a female singer with a mystique of say a Sara McLaughlin, Ani Difranco, or Amos Lee. I get the impression O'Neill is rolling with what he knows as an experienced performer. O'Neill has an uncanny ability to sing deep within the pocket, and her timing and timber are to die for. Favorite tracks include Track 1 (Ballerina in a Bullfight), Track 2 (Tiffany Town) and Track 6 (What A Way). All tracks have amazing feel. Within each one of these compositions O'Neill bares her soul and delivers musical mojo, but I get the impression she has a melancholy, dark, tenacious side as well. Her band is spot on and just makes the whole EP even more enjoyable.
I see O'Neill as a diamond in the rough or undiscovered gem. As time goes she will no doubt release her next full length CD with a hint of re-location to Seattle, WA. and more sunsequent touring to follow. I am eager to hear what his next release will sound like. In close most famous artists out there have "it" I'm not so sure what it is, but let me go on record to say Heather O'Neill has whatever "it" may be.
Michael Morrison
Edited by Cyrus Rhodes
Rating: 9/10
