Underdressed at the Symphony - Faye Webster (Acoustic resurgence review)
- by Peter Källman
- in Reviews
Faye Webster has released her fifth album, “Underdressed at the Symphony.” This album is a great new project for her, and the overall shift in sound compared to her previous works marks a more naturalistic sound. I think Faye has thought about the fact that people seem to be craving these acoustic sounds. The tracks were all produced by Faye Webster and Drew Vandenberg. Now, Drew does not have a lot of info about him online, which he might want to keep that way. In any case, we can say that he and Faye have created one heck of an album, together with the other contributing acts, of course. "Underdressed at the Symphony" features collaborators such as Wilco’s Nels Cline (guitar solos) and Lil Yachty, singing on “Lego Ring.” I think Lil Yachty is particularly interesting in this case because he is really doing some pure wizardry. Not just with this song but if you look over how diverse his catalog is, it is really amazing how well it works every time he collaborates with someone. The track “Lego Ring” is infused with his greatness.
Faye Webster’s previous work has featured more synths and electronic sounds. Along with changing the instrumentation, there is now also more of a focus on the instrumental parts. Faye gives more space to the instruments and lets her vocals rest. It is very refreshing listening to the acoustic soundscape being built. Some things we hear talked about on the album are Faye Webster's struggles with heartbreak and fame. She expresses her ideas with flawless vocal phrasing as usual, utilizing effects and well-fitted lyrics/rhythms. I don’t want to spoil too much about the tracks on the album. My favorites are the last song, “Tttttime,” and “eBay Purchase History.”
Faye Webster's 2022 EP, “Car Therapy Sessions,” was also more naturalistic. So maybe she has really found a groove. In this session album, she was using a 20-piece orchestra along with a grand piano, natural drums, and electric guitar to make covers of her previous albums. This is also something that is so backwards that it becomes new-thinking. Just like how returning to acoustic songs can be creative and refreshing, covering YOUR OWN songs can very much be too. I love it! The art of recording acoustic instruments has undoubtedly evolved, along with technology and also just composers getting better at composing. I think all the tracks on "Underdressed at the Symphony" are proof of that growing expertise. I mean, just listen to the recurring riff in “But Not Kiss,” for example, and see how well that works with everything. If I heard this track 20 years ago, I think it might have played out how it did when cavemen discovered fire. The songs are just absolutely a delight to listen to, composition and mixing.
When we hear a whole great album like this, it is easy to say too much. I simply encourage you to listen. Find a time one day where you can sit and listen to music for an hour uninterrupted. Listen from top to bottom. I can guarantee at least 78% of you will like it.
