Basia Bulat’s eclectic arrangements and hauntingly soulful voice turn what would be an otherwise tired, outdated folk sound into a tidy, feel-good cocktail of catchy pop and eerily somber melodies. Folk is no longer your mom and pop’s Peter, Paul and Mary sing-along. Bulat’s sophomore album shows that bubbly pop harmonies are not just for the likes of Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. Bulat grabs the cliché chords, throws them in your face, and through sheer creativity and courage, creates an ensemble of unique compositions and moods. The first few notes of fiddle in the opening to the album’s first single, “Gold Rush,” are a fine example of the way she creates a unique picture within every song. The tune makes you feel like you’re standing in a Midwest cornfield, with a straw hat on and stalk of hay dangling from your mouth. But when the album seamlessly transitions from dreams of country bliss to ethereal and heartfelt love songs such as “Shore,” that’s when Bulat’s talent really shines through. She’s simply not afraid to experiment and fail if she must. Almost every track has a unique instrumental arrangement. “Shore” combines a beautiful staccato Oriental dulcimer with a banjo accompaniment to create a dreamlike ambiance for the sorrow-filled love song.
But even if you’re just looking for that good ol’ timeless folk tradition, Heart of My Own is still for you. Bulat’s soft, airy tune “I’m Forgetting Everyone” has a classic, simple, melodic guitar sound with just a touch of upright bass to give it that catchy bluegrass rhythm.
Bulat’s soothing, soulful style could easily find its place among greats such as Joan Baez or Joni Mitchell. Give her some time. Let her come out of her shell. She might just stun the folk world someday. |