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Brenda Weiler Brenda Weiler is that breed of tough independent musicians who relentlessly travel the country trying to scrape by. She hails from North Dakota, built a following in Minnesota, and moved to Portland to further expand her base. She's an example of someone who makes music because she loves to, not because she's paid to. Expect honest, introspective lyrics that dive way beyond the current fluff of pop music and arrangements that serve the song, not the need for an overplayed radio hit. Cold Weather is her fifth release and fourth studio album, and while it still has some of her gripping acoustic folk tunes, she explores some darker veins. This time around she doesn't quite display the strength and anger her voice has showcased in previous efforts, usually opting for a quieter, sultry, almost melancholy voice. As a whole the album is dark and moody, but that doesn't mean it's drab and depressing. There's plenty of deep introspection and music to match, from a lone guitar to atmospheric effects. "Faucet" starts the album with an eerie and ethereal backing. It's an odd start, but immediately sets the darker tone with its rising crescendo of melancholy distortion. "Sacred" returns to just Weiler and her guitar, with some subtle instrumentation in the background. "Scatter" is fully pop-rock and taste of what Weiler can do. "Christmas Sweater" and "Honolulu, Minnesota" are both intimate, melodic songs about broken and uncertain love, respectively. As a whole Cold Weather is an apt title for this somber song collection. It's stirring music, but it could use a little warmth. (Kevin H.) |
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