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Album Review- Sara Syms- The Darkest Light

 



Americana Starlet Sara Syms released her third album The Darkest Light earlier last month. Recorded at the famed Espalande Studios in New Orleans, Syms opens up about her struggles with anxieties and depression on this 10-track LP.

The songstress took time away from the music scene to contemplate life. The LP mixes blues, folk and roots to convey this story to the listener. The self-titled 'The Darkest Light' opens the album. A haunting three minutes of self-reflection. Syms's powerful voice sings over eerie string arrangements and piano keys that make this an evocative and dark track to start things off. The equally majestic 'Fear and Love' combines dark poetry with the addition of a flamenco feel giving this added poignancy.

Syms invokes several emotions of anguish, sorrow, love and fears through her ability to engage the listener with strong storytelling and moving music. 'Unknown Road' is one such example, a country blues track with sultry vocals set over crisp guitar tones. The album does take an unusual turn with the rockabilly track 'The Game'. Syms sound more upbeat with the stomp of organs and piano adding zest. 'River of Life' sounds like the trials and tribulations of the singer's life. Upbeat roots track with a swinging rhythm and trumpets. Syms writes these buoyant tracks to balance out the slow ballads, such as the melodic 'Shadow Hunters' and 'Good Times Never Last'.

Overall, Syms shares her journey to 'The Darkest Light' of her life with beautiful and elegant songs that will leave the listener left to reflect on their own lives.

Words By Anselm Anderson. Rating 8/10



SOCIAL MEDIA

https://www.sarasyms.com/


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https://twitter.com/sarasyms



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