Anna Ash has had an eye on the international market from her US base for a while and this pursuit will gain extra impetus with the release of a new record. SLEEPER emerges into an eleven track album from a previous EP housing five songs that form the second half of the full length release. The entity is packed with soulful vibes grown from a minimalist base amidst aesthetic undertones. There is a mild mannered distinctive edge to the vocal groove that draw comparisons with Frazey Ford. This slightly hypnotic sheen snares a listener on the lookout for a sound that lures you in.
The front cover depicts a day either dawning or dusking, which pinpoints a mood flourishing in a partial light. Mellow, evocative or pensive are further ways to describe the music that emanates from a Michigan born artist now LA based. To complete a spin round the States, the album gets a release on Tulsa based label Black Mesa Records, and a subsequent conduit into UK ears. Alt-folk meets lo-fi acoustic alternative attempts to locate the music of Anna Ash on a crowded spectrum though ultimately it will reside in the canyons of the open minded.
You can make a strong case for opening song 'Favourite Part' or its transfixing follow on track 'Popularity' defining the album, but the conclusion is that SLEEPER is generally not deigned for cherry picking. Instead savouring its intrinsic calming presence in full, preferably in a solo moment, is likely the environment to get the most out of a probing and satisfying release.
Anna Ash has curated a mesmerising body of songs that circulate like a gentle carousel ride. SLEEPER may encompass the day's most restful and sedentary moments, but these are the times when good music can penetrate most. Take a chance on this serene album and a sensual aromatherapy could just be a soothing gift to lift the seasonal ills.