Seattle Subsonic

See Mirah and Lovers @ the Vera Project

March 27th, 2009

Despite having released several records in the past decade-plus (anywhere from 4 to 10 depending on your definition), K Records’ resident governess Mirah first tugged at my heartstrings with her 2004 release, C’mon Miracle. A South American-inspired folk-rock composition with a flock of striking, sanguine and spiritual moments (“Jerusalem”, “The Light”, “Don’t Die In Me”), it would soundly cement her status in the limelight. That producer Phil Elverum’s fabled analog recording wizardry was part of the process should give you an indication of the record’s natural, evergreen excellence.

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Now back with another proper studio album, its name—and concept—combines the Latin roots for hope (“spera”) and difficulty (“aspera”): (a)spera. Expect the same heartfelt sincerity from these new tunes, which you can sample below, that she’s exuded from the beginning. Mirah’s Seattle show will be Thursday April 2nd at the Vera Project.

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Mirah – Generosity

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Mirah – Gone Are The Days

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Along for the journey is Portland-based Lovers, who, upon first listen, reminded me of Starfucker, the Rose City’s blurry space-pop luminaries (reference Lovers’ “Igloos for Ojos”, an anthemic ride of electro-pop bliss). Comprised of singer/songwriter Carolyn Berk, percussion and projection artist Kerby Ferris, and guitarist Emily Kingan (who you might recall from her alter ego, Earl Saint Ives, or, as I originally forgot to mention, for her instrumental and photographic work on C’mon Miracle), the band has described their reinvented sound as “modern, sexy” and “often danceable”. I ask you: who CAN’T get down with that? Lovers are currently touring in anticipation of their 3rd album, the awesomely titled I Am The West, due out April 28th. You can preorder the record and listen to some tunes on their website.

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All Ages / $15 / Buy advance tickets at Ticketweb.