(Image courtesy of Chasing Dragons)Although Gemma Hayes has not been a commercial success in the U.S., her new album, “Bones+Longing,” may be the Irish folk singer-songwriter’s perfect introduction into the American indie music scene.
“Bones+Longing,” released Monday, is a relaxed combination of haunting vocals, witty lyrics and stimulating instrumentals. While some tracks bleed into others, creating the illusion of listening to the same song twice, the album has enough poignant moments to make it more than worthwhile.
Hayes's music is what you might expect to play in a coffee shop, or be featured in an episode of "Grey’s Anatomy," but less cliché and overdone, making the album a delight for fans of the folk singer-songwriter genre.
“Bones+Longing” is the Ireland native’s fifth album since she entered the music scene in 2003. While her earlier albums are worth a listen, “Bones+Longing” marks her progression as an artist, expanding from simpler, less textured songs to full, complex movements, both lyrically and musically.
The album is delicately executed, but there are moments that seem messy. Hayes acknowledged the raw feel of the album on her website, saying that she included many "first takes, flaws and imperfections" — a brave stylistic decision that pays off for "Bones+Longing."
“Laughter,” the album’s opening track, perfectly captures the vibe and sound of the album with Hayes’s bittersweet vocals over a dissonant guitar riff and simple drumbeat.
“Palomino,” perhaps the album’s most mainstream moment, is a fun and light song that tackles a darker subject with clever lyrics like “They try to fix you / But sorrow's in the marrow.”
“To Be Your Honey,” is a melancholy standout, merging intense lyrics with a simple acoustic instrumentation and eerie sound. The song definitely represents some of Hayes’s most creative work.
“Making My Way,” another “Bones+Longing,” highlight, demonstrates Hayes's vulnerable vocal abilities. The vocals sound perfectly sloppy in a wonderfully messy way, establishing Hayes' unique style.
The album’s title and final song, “Bones and Longing,” is a moving, completely instrumental track that would have made a fantastic album introduction, had it not been billed last. It is an interesting artistic choice, albeit a bit confusing.
Although the album does have moments of repetition and doesn’t particularly stray from its melancholy eerie vibe, it is a meaningful, interesting listen that demonstrates Hayes's artistic abilities.
If you’ve been longing to say “I was listening to them before they were cool” about an artist, this album might prove worth picking up as “Bones+Longing” makes its way into the U.S. music scene.
Reach the reporter at Samantha.Shotzbarger@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @SShotzbarger
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