Album: Cosmic Troubles
Artist: Faith Healer
(Mint)
Four stars (out of five)
With its psychedelic melodies, fuzzy ‘60s riffs, twinkling synths, and ’90s Brit-inspired bass grooves, Jessica Jalbert’s debut as her alter ego, Faith Healer, begs to be cranked up as loud as your neighbours will let you. Except you might not get the full gist of the Edmonton singer-songwriter’s lyrics if you do so. That’s the only “trouble” (and I use the term loosely) with this album. Her vocals, which hover between weary and dreamy, are about as soft as the wrung-out fibres she sings about on Again, and so they often get lost in the folds of producer Renny Wilson’s dazzling sonics — until you put on your headphones. This contrast, of course, is a deliberate artistic choice and one that only adds to the multi-layered brilliance of Cosmic Troubles, due Tuesday. It’s a lonely, self-deprecating and sometimes faithless soundtrack disguised as a breezy (if not stoned) romp through the river valley. Fools Rush In dwells on Jalbert’s supposed stupidity, Angel Eyes dispels the notion of such heavenly creatures, while No Car touches upon the psychological effects of an abusive ex-lover. When you finally pick up on Jalbert’s lyrics, the realization only serves to strengthen the impact of these songs — and add to your growing discomfort.
