SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: JENNIFER FOSTER – POWERLINE

JENNIFER FOSTER
POWERLINE
INDEPENDENT

Powerline is the latest album from Toronto singer-songwriter Jennifer Foster. Her releases have been a bit sporadic of late, so it is a treat that she has gifted us with a new collection of songs. And what a collection! On this acoustic guitar-driven and vocal-forward album, Foster engages the listener from the outset with bright, flowing melodies, and clever musical and lyrical turns.

Right from the percussive muted guitar strums at the beginning of the lead off song “Powerline,” Foster and band draw us in with this very catchy, well-written and expertly crafted tune. Equally strong is the album’s first single, “Shy,” a laid-back jazz pop song that would not be out of place on a radio playlist from 1976. Speaking of which, this entire album is very radio friendly. The longest song in the set is just over four minutes, and the high-level musicianship and production values on these hook-filled songs is consistent throughout the album.

There are standout moments elsewhere on the album, on songs like “At the Time,” a cool and mysterious groove that stylistically evokes the work of Sam Phillips. Similarly, on “Marigolds and Weeds,” the imploring Costello-esque vocal melody carries this song. There is also some great interplay between acoustic and electric guitar here, as well as shimmering strings and tasteful hand percussion. If there is a weak spot on Powerline, it is the fact that some songs, like “Can I Come Live With You” and “Don’t Walk on the Dead People,” should be a lot longer. Both are such strong and memorable songs, and they simply end too soon. In this case, Foster wins in the ‘leave them wanting more’ department.

Showing great vocal versatility, Jennifer Foster is comfortable being the light and dreamy chanteuse, the powerfully assertive front woman, and points in between. The band behind her is tight and top-notch. The instrumentation is superb, and much care has been taken in getting all of the sounds. The whole album just works so well. I highly recommend!

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