Toronto singer songwriter Amber just dropped her latest album, Tall Tales. The opening track “Grave Robber” comes on like a Tom Waits tune with ragged trumpets and that lurching 20’s swing. You can tell right away that Amber plays the keys well and has an ear for recording piano tracks. I found the keys on Teardrop to be especially resonant, and reminiscent of the lo-fi flavour The National nailed in Fake Empire.
Amber has a sultry, smoky voice and prefers singing long inversions over pretty pop progressions. Most to of the album is comprised of tunes that repose on Amber’s storytelling ability. The album is easy to listen to, something you throw on on a rainy day after you light some nag champa. I’ll be sure to let you know when Amber hits Montreal this summer. Bang –
