Jenny Gillespie – Belita
After dabbling with various musical sounds on her two previously self released albums, Chicago chanteuse, Jenny Gillespie has once again changed direction with her new EP Belita. Collaborating with Shazad Ismaily who is best known for his work with Bonnie Prince Billy and Lou Reed as a multi-instrumentalist, Gillespie has created an EP that flirts with various sounds to create a lush atmosphere on record. The creaking finger picked guitars and the silky and almost spidery whispered vocals nod towards the late great Elliot Smith. The influences of Joni Mitchell and Emmylou Harris are certainly apparent in this record's beautiful construction but if you think this is a standard folk record you'll be pleasantly surprised. The elements of piano and electric guitar on Sunshine Blood make it ever so exquisite to the ears. And the subtle use of strings in closing track Cheating Gong makes it an ever so sweet way for this extended player to end.
Unique is perhaps the best description for Belita, the layers of sound are carefully laid upon each other in a near shoe gaze or post rock style so as not to overpower Gillespie's stunning voice. At times you can feel the rawness and honesty ingrained into the verses. As folk and singer songwriter genres seem to be forever popular, it is nice to see to see it being refreshed with a minimal and back to basic approach.
With a voice as truly enchanting as Jenny Gillespie's, this EP frames the soundscapes she has created perfectly.