CD REVIEW: Lauran Burhenn, Wanderlust - Page 2

The overall tone of the album is beautiful. It's soft, swirling, and sparkling. Often, a sense of magic pervades, and Laura's stunning voice is absolutely magical to hear play with the melodies she crafts. Often hypnotic, always captivating, the kind of vibe Laura lays down is a real treat.

Some song highlights? Not really. One bad thing about such a well-done, consistent album is that no songs truly stand out. There are a few that serve as excellent introductions, such as "Memory" or "White Noise." But, I don't hear a single hit anywhere. Nothing has that immediate punch, that irrepressible hook that will get the 13-year olds screaming with delight when it's played at the school dance.

Thank God. Hit-making is too much a concern today, and the profit model of many record labels demands that hits be made and aggressively marketed. Laura has a huge advantage in existing on her own label; namely, that she not only controls the distribution of her own work (translation: she gets a much larger portion of album sales than a typical artist), but also has the freedom to make exactly the music she wants, instead of what the business may demand.

This is such a good thing. The two-minute of build up of "Just For The Night" is exquisite, and people with the patience to hear it all will understand why ignoring the money potential of a big hit can pay off big time. And that voice, that voice that keeps melting into buttery-smooth croons and soaring choruses, that voice is absolutely phenominal.

So, this is worth it. Laura Burhenn is a perfect example of how independent musicians will eventually save the record industry from itself, from the downward spiral of over-marketed throwaway acts and slutty teenagers pandering to lecherous old men. She breaks all the molds of the young, beautiful, aspiring singer, and does so in a way that surpasses many established female songstresses.

In short, this ia a remarkable diamond in the rough of the D.C.'s indie music scene. And I'm glad for it.

Article Author: Josh Foust

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