by Eric Foreman (@ericforemanDPT)
Scanning the spectrum of love lost and found, Hiding In Place – the new EP from Philadelphia’s Queen of Jeans, revels in thoughtful exploration. Their first original release since 2018’s If You’re Not Afraid, I’m Not Afraid briefly touches on the stretches of loneliness, excitement, insecurity and resentment inherent to relationships beginning and end. Led by vocalist and guitarist Miri Devora, the band sticks to the airy and decidedly vintage indie folk sound abundant in their previous material. The new release is a brief but thoughtful exercise in introspection showing the depth of a wandering, idle mind.
Written around the start of the pandemic, Hiding In Place approaches different levels of anguish. The title track bravely struts through the loneliness and longing of missing someone. Devora slides into her upper register singing “These days my brains sorta upside down/It’s kind of hard with you not around”. The production is spacious, providing sonics more fit for festivals than built for basements. “Why Hide” is a warm ode to the touched and cautious optimism of a burgeoning relationship. Where the verses are pursed, each chorus in the track opens wide portraying the vulnerable feeling of letting yourself be known and loved by someone new. Where this track feels tactile and inviting, highlight “Was I Ever” feels cold and distant. The fluttering of being held close by a new lover is replaced by detached abandon as Devora sings “When you hold me, I’d rather be lonely”. Devora’s voice is nimble throughout the record, deftly pouncing from falsetto to whisper to a powerful belt. Final track “The Wait is Over” feels like a dream. Drummer Patrick Wall and guitarist Mattie Glass ricochet in the verses texturing Devora’s ethereal cadence.
On Hiding In Place, Queen of Jeans are as attentive as ever. No instrumental feels out of place and every harmony feels in sync. Each track is sprawling and melodic encouraging a thorough listen. On Hiding In Place, Queen of Jeans continue their prowess as songwriters and further cement their sound in a thoughtful, emotional core.