Brooklyn songwriter Avery Friedman has stepped into the spotlight with her impressive debut album, ‘New Thing’, released on Audio Antihero. Following a string of acclaimed singles like 'Flowers Fell', 'Photo Booth', and the title track, this full-length offering arrives bristling with raw honesty and intricate musicianship, expertly produced by James Chrisman and featuring input from Felix Walworth.
‘New Thing’ serves as a deeply personal journey, exploring themes of trauma, resilience, and identity with striking candour. Friedman explains the record is “a collection of the first songs I’ve ever written, after many years of orbiting the music world but denying myself my own musicianship.” Much of the material, she notes, "were born of anxiety – from my turning to a guitar to externalise (and organise) a sense of chaos that otherwise felt trapped inside me.” The decision to record much of it live with a band helps maintain a palpable, raw energy throughout. The result is akin to "a time capsule for a year of intense personal expansion,” capturing the multifaceted emotions that accompany growth.
Musically, ‘New Thing’ navigates a compelling space, blending elements of indie and folk with a distinctive edge. Comparisons to artists such as Adrianne Lenker, Squirrel Flower, and Babehoven feel apt, particularly in the album’s raw, confessional style and knack for weaving intricate melodies with intimate arrangements. While there’s a nod to the slacker rock meets alt-country sweet spot of the 90s, tracks also possess a DIY bedroom pop polish that wouldn't feel out of place alongside acts like Men I Trust. Friedman demonstrates a remarkable ability to integrate diverse influences into a cohesive sound that is distinctly her own. The interplay of delicate moments and bursts of distorted guitar noise, like those on 'Photo Booth', highlights her ear for dynamic contrast.
The sound navigates a compelling path, blending raw indie sensibilities with touches of folk introspection. There are moments that hint at alt-country roots alongside a DIY bedroom pop aesthetic, even dipping into a shoegaze shimmer on the title track. Tracks like 'Flowers Fell' build from insistent refrains with guitars that verge on distortion, creating a hazy yet intense atmosphere. Trauma and the messiness of life are present, explored with a candidness that doesn't shy away from the difficult bits. Yet, there's an underlying thread of resilience.
Ultimately, 'New Thing' is a record that feels essential for anyone navigating the complexities of self-discovery. It’s a journey through anxiety, vulnerability, and growth, delivered with a voice that is both delicate and strong.
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