Album review: ANNABELLE CHVOSTEK – Be The Media

ANABELLE CHVOSTEK - Be The Media

Those expecting a folk roots album from former Wailin’ Jenny singer songwriter Annabelle Chvostek can think again.

After releasing two albums on Canada’s most foremost folk label Chvostek has gone back to her independent roots, picking up a 1957 Kay electric guitar and taking the unconventional approach of recording ‘live off the floor’ in a tight knit circle over the course of two weekend sessions with Jeremie Jones (drums) and Tony Spina (bass).

The result is an edgy album with a rock ‘n’ roll groove, one that finds Chvostek letting loose with raw emotion. It’s like Suzanne Vega ‘gone native’, and an intriguing listen. Or Tori Amos and Missy Higgins rolled into one. Certainly for such a small cast list it’s a powerful statement, and the cover of Neil Young’s ‘Like A Hurricane’ an inspired inclusion.

Across her career, Chvostek has dallied with folk/roots, jazz, angst, and political comment. She’s been quirky, intriguing, and enticing. Be The Media adds experimental to that list. She tours the UK with Jones and Spina in May. Go along for the ride. It could, as they say, be ‘interesting’. ***1/2

Review by Pete Whalley

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)