Album Review: Abby Posner - Rest & Rise
The art of subtly crafting a distinctive album is explicitly exhibited by LA based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Abby Posner. REST & RISE frames the duality of how an individual responds to a catalogue of adverse situations The album falls into two camps defined by vibe and tempo. The opening half is introspective and moody lamenting a parting within a scope of mindful musicianship. Shackles are thrown off at the midpoint and spiky punchier sounds prevail. Yet despite the switch in shade the writing continues to muse and dissect. Even when Posner comes out fighting, there is still an underlying feel of trying to make sense of it all. The result is a compelling record best comprehended head deep in the lyrics, though sparky melodies and alluring segments sate the tasting experience.
The album format was almost built for this song collection. Posner, the sole writer and prime musician albeit aided by guest vocals and additional pedal steel, meticulously places the tracks for effect. It murmurs rather than explodes into existence with an ending offering some remnant of closure. Renewal arrives but is far from easy.
‘I’m Doing Fine’ opens the vault of pained emotion with some intent of resolution. Though wounds are still fresh, at least Posner begins to face up to things. This is followed by one of the standout tracks. ‘Until it Heals’ is propelled by ear catching repetition in the phrases ‘rise up, rise up’ and ‘stitch it up, stitch it up’ . There are occasional head-scratching moments before the track lodges in the memory bank relishing a repeat play. The writing appears more metaphorical as we lean into ‘Hold It In’ but an emotive slant to the music gains traction.
‘Soon I’ll Move’ suggests a change and evolves as a list piece referring to a string of ‘don’t wants’ from (not) going to ‘Echo Park’ to not being a revengeful writer. The ultimate olive branch of ‘I don’t hate you’ hails a conciliatory tone. The healing process continues in the extended metaphorical hands of ‘Lemon Soap’ as a cleansing path is sought, before Posner expresses her most personal statement in the closing line of ‘Shut It Off’ pleading ‘I can’t help how I feel’.
‘The Rising’ launches a candid tempo switch from darkened folk Americana to exuberant indie-rock with Posner ready to proclaim ‘I’m finally waking up’. Horizons widen from the micro to bemoaning ‘voting in a fascist’. Further punches are landed as the infectious ‘The Moon is Made of Green Cheese’ sets a frantic pace where the healing process lashes out. Another stand alone playlist candidate follows in the vivacious ‘Losing Me’ heralding a positive voice.
‘Failures on the Wall’ features a new voice in Ryan Cassata singing the final verse as we move into more explicit waters of queer identity and the challenges faced in a changing world. ‘Die Alone’ maintains the tempo of renewal yet still portrays a dissecting voice in full conversation with the past. This intelligently constructed album concludes with the honesty of ’33’ finding closure through the acceptance of failings. The writer conveys a sense of understanding clearly embraced by the listening experience.
REST & RISE is an undulating journey keeping you on board through prized moments and skilfully weaved lyricism. Abby Posner reaches an acquired place of earning your belief in the magnitude of her work.
