Gwen Levey & The Breakdown – Lighter EP
This is a short set of 6 tunes that have more gusto than fireworks. The musicians turn in colorful, proficient performances & Virginia-born singer Gwen Levey is a soulful powerhouse with high octane enthusiasm. Her opener “Lighter” is the title track, & it starts by gliding across the surface of the spectrum before it starts to pick up speed & swim into an exciting arrangement.
More mainstream in tradition is the jubilant “Therapy,” with lots of sing-along embellishment. The music is propulsive throughout & the EP is balanced between the accelerated pieces & the more down home, almost McGarrigle Sisters rich tunes like “Leaves.” Lovely vocals. This is the group’s third EP & it was produced by Marcus Davis (drums/percussion/synth) & Gwen.
Recorded in Nashville, Gwen Levey & The Breakdown Lighter (Dropped Oct. 24/Gal Productions/19:17) is structured as an album that’s fairly heavy, theme-wise, & despite the good-natured melodies & showcase it’s specifically about shedding toxicity & healing.
The light is what carries Gwen through her dark days. Finding true love, & what’s missing in one’s life. There are pro-therapy songs, & social commentary on mental health with a touch of satire. Being a survivor, soul-cleaning, & her wish to expand her musical landscape. The activism is fine, so long as it’s focused. Any successful-minded independent artist doesn’t want to entirely alienate an audience. Legendary artists like Joan Baez, Neil Young & Bruce Springsteen have found that out. You don’t want your message, your activism, to also be possibly toxic. Even a whiskey drinker has a water chaser.
“Heartspace” is a good upbeat melody. Gwen’s vocals soar nicely & she manages to keep her songs rooted in an Americana comfort zone while at the same time garnish the flavor with Kate Bush mystification. Gwen doesn’t always color within the lines, but that’s part of her charm.
Gwen is a likable artist who’s worth a listen. She understands how to captivate, entertain & leave behind some happiness through her music in her wake.
The back cover sepia-toned photo of a reclining Gwen is pensive, thoughtful, relaxed & mysterious with warm musical overtones. Dreamy. This would’ve been a far better CD cover. The colorful front image is good, but it’s typical of many artists standing in natural surroundings. You always want to be different.
Highlights – “Lighter,” “Therapy,” “Leaves,” & “Heartspace.”
Musicians – James Britton (guitars/bass), & Amy Frederick (piano/organ/synth).
CD cover image courtesy of Logen Christopher. Color image courtesy of Gwen’s website page. CD @ Amazon & Apple + https://www.gwenleveyandthebreakdown.com/homepage
