Rebecca Pronsky – Viewfinder
The opening song on Brooklyn native, Rebecca Pronsky’s second album, Viewfinder, is an instant attention-getter and country hit. “Hard Times” aptly introduces the album’s solid country influence and overall theme of lost innocence, doubt and relationships. Its strong and rather menacing twangy opening guitar line and galloping rhythm intensifies the serious warning that could apply to a friend or as a smart and relevant allegory on the current economic situation. “Day of the Dead” continues the foreboding country influence while “Give Up Easily” gives a bubbly 80s vibe which could be attributed to her childhood. And, in spite of the seemingly sad tale of a woman who is neither someone’s wife nor someone’s daughter in “Mercury News” there is an upbeat tempo and powerful vocals. I should also note that in the past, Rebecca has been praised for her jazz-trained voice which is evident in the smoldering “The Wheel” and the sensitive yet strong “Fragile World.” These are just a few songs that unquestionably make Viewfinder one of the finest singer-songwriter records of 2011.
— April Wolfe @ Common Folk Music
Download Viewfinder via Bandcamp
01 Hard Times – Rebecca Pronsky by commonfolkmusic