With a running time of just over thirty minutes, Laura Jean’s Eden Land is a complex snapshot of a world far removed from the rainy streets of Melbourne, Australia.
As a stark look at the Bible-paved roads that lead to and from salvation, Laura Jean weaves a delicate tapestry of characters and delicate emotions – “Ten years doesn’t make me your wife” ruminates the “Lady of the Lake”, a barren tune of insular regret. As a premise album (some would say ‘concept album’; but that term doesn’t do this journey justice) the core ideas are not only expressed lyrically but tonally as well – Jean channels an era outside the scope of traditional Australian folk music. The combination of flighty clarinet with swirling gypsy handclaps is commonplace, with the result at times beguiling but never less than compelling.
Perhaps what makes this album such an interesting listen is the sheer craft of the tunes. Never prone to “overwriting”, Jean’s lyrical choices are often striking in their simplicity – shades of Patty Griffin or Gillian Welch are hinted at, but these words are her own. Jean is not stratosphere-shattering vocalist, but her voice firmly guides the material with a subdued reverence. In many ways, she is an insular storyteller – these are stories that she needs to tell, but she is willing to let you accept them on your own terms.
Perhaps the greatest strength of this album will also prove to be its greatest hurdle. This is not a simple album. Eden Land is a complex, literary album that is far removed from anything put out by a mainstream Australian artist this year. And we love it for that.
In summary: complex, emotive, literary, beguiling. A bright and unique spot on the Australian music scene.
Standout track: “Yellow Moon” – think Kill Bill Vol. 1 meets Gillian Welch.
(Note: this video is a clip of Laura’s earlier work – but should give you an idea of the sound)
Hear song samples at Laura Jean’s official website as well as on her Myspace. The album is available now on iTunes Australia.
