Sierra Swan, Pianos, NYC. 4/1/08
Andrew Borin used to belong to a Hasidic street gang that would ride bicycles all over Los Angeles tagging properties with pink Stars of David. He is guest writing today’s show review for Almack’s because he’s all sorts of awesome. Lastnight he pranced over to Pianos in the oddly warm April Fools’ evening to check out your new favorite singer, Sierra Swan. Here’s his review:
Let me just preface this entry by saying I’m not usually one for moody girl singers, but I was having a total Lilith Fair moment yesterday. What with the weather being so nice in New York I decided to head over to Piano’s and watch singer/song writer Sierra Swan perform. In today’s musical landscape its difficult to find a pop singer that can actually make quality music, think Imogen Heap, Regina Spektor. However, Sierra Swan joins those women in the rankings. Her robust voice is reminiscent of Amy Winehouse yet she utilizes it to create sultry and haunting melodies. She’s obviously a veteran performer, the entire show felt as if she was performing in her living room.
As a lyricist and performer, Sierra is unapologetic, beyond the years of being a lovestruck adolescent Sierra navigates the reality of what it means to be in your twenties. She opened with the piano driven song “Copper Red” which was produced by non other than Linda Perry (as were half of the songs on her new album). “Sitting on this broken glass/that I threw myself/tangled insecurities/where I like to dwell/dwelling my impurities/with one more glass of wine.” It’s a strong-minded pop song that rapidly gains strength — complex and unrefined, with Swan announcing “I’m in no hurry/to receive your adulation!” I feel a little bit gayer for writing this. I’m off to listen to some Ani Defranco, cuddles.
*Writer’s note: When Sarah asked me to write a review I was going to down a 2-liter of Jolt a bag of Skittles and type while boucning up and down listening to the record, thankfully I didn’t have to write in her voice but I wish I could.
