by Kris Handel
On her second release, Attachment Figure, the Florida based Sarah Morrison works all the angles of the ever changing moods and dramatics in her music and songwriting to near perfection. She drenches her songs in layers and layers of sound that bounces from jazzy classicism to ominous and somber synth driven laments, reaching into the furthest depths of desire and memory. Morrison hearkens back to the artier keyboard driven bands of early new wave with a bit of Kate Bush/St. Vincent mixed in and a more modern swirling psychedelia creating something that has so much drive to grow and blossom. Her songwriting has a mysterious aura to it that is enhanced by the swoons and often times jaw dropping vocal acrobatics that accompany these pieces dripping with such personal intensity.
"Via Negativa" kicks the album off as Morrison's vocals quaver amid a sparse piano accompaniment and haunting choral-like backing vocals while billowing synths sporadically interrupt the quiet. Her delivery alternates between hesitance and sudden urgency that is gripping and also adds some intriguing dynamics that swell and collapse dramatically. "Mango" is a twinkly pop song with lithe guitar interjections and swooping piano as childhood memories are explored wistfully. Morrison coos amid wobbling piano and unabashed building cacophony as growth and development are explored with an assertive seriousness.
"This Sorry Day" speaks to the cognitive dissonance that comes from the massive role technology plays in lives of so many in this current day and age as well as general impermanence. The swells in this song aided by fluttering sax and brushed drumming are breathtaking and the atmosphere recalls a far hazier latter-day Roxy Music type of vibe that suits this swirling nightmare/dream melange. "La Pascualita" builds itself on a sparse ambience that would fit suitably in a dusty cinematic soundtrack as Morrison's stream of consciousness is accompanied by whistling keys and bubbly synths. The band teeter on the brink of a possible emotional collapse that creates a haunting uncertainty that never fully resolves itself before fading into the ether.
Morrison and her band prod each other and encourage a sense of mystery in these performances. There is rarely a moment that hits a plateau or doesn't swerve in some magical direction, an unlimited amount of space and themes allows for always finding a new favorite moment with repeat listens. This is an impressive piece of art-pop that carries so much yearning, creating flowing soundscapes that utilize drama and cinematic moments ever so fruitfully. Morrison shows herself to have a gift with creating truly mesmerizing pop moments and contrasting them with a simmering tension and unsteady foundation creating a marvelous spectacle of musical theatre and ambition.