From simple rural life to chasing big city dreams, singer-songwriter Jodee Seiders left small town living in Pennsylvania for the pursuit of a more creative environment to help facilitate her gentle indie rock and folk spirited songs. While Jodee's previously album was entirely covers, with the songstress delivering interpretations of artists like Bob Dylan, Sheryl Crow and The Black Crowes, this six song EP shows Jodee spreading her own songwriting wings in fruitful ways, which draws similarities to stars like Dido, Norah Jones, and Nina Gordon.

"Emerald City" starts off the quick listen with quick acoustic strumming and an infectious pop-rock template where Jodee's smoky singing easily draws the listener in. "Cry" follows and is a bit more subdued, and the songstress shows us she can hit the high notes while telling a story of love gone awry. Near the midway point, "Ghosts Of California" sits in a more indie rock vein, as it's both playful and catchy, while "Talisman" gets more optimistic and upbeat. Near the end, "That's What She Said" brings in both tambourines and backing vocals while exemplifying a warm folk rock sound, and Jodee exits on the key heavy ballad "After The Hurricane."

Though it's a fun and often-joyous listen, After The Hurricane isn't without its somber undertones. Jodee's father was diagnosed with terminal cancer during the recording of this EP, and the title track is about his departure from the earth. Fittingly, it's the last and most contemplative tune here.

I assume Jodee's success with covers stems from her powerful and distinct voice. Her ability to both soar with radiating beauty and also deliver haunting renditions shows not only a wealth of talent but the sort of authenticity you can hear in each syllable she sings. Now going by just her first name, it seems that Jodee has embarked on a new path of original songwriting, which I can't imagine will go unnoticed for very long.

Rating: B+

User Rating: Not Yet Rated

Comments