Who Are You Now

Even on first listen, Who Are You Now feels instantly familiar, from the quicksand time signatures of “Pin It Down” to the defiant posturing of “Trouble Found Me.”

Early in the set, “Something to Believe In” feels not unlike something from a Broadway musical or a mid-classic Linda Ronstadt album, circa her Nelson Riddle era, but minus the orchestra. Further in, “Lookin' Alive” borrows from and blends in African rhythms to drive itself and “Dry As Sand” lopes casually along with occasional Beatles flourishes and in no hurry to get anywhere other than the truth of that moment. Taken all together, the album is a wondrous tapestry, each block telling one part of the whole story that is this remarkable young artist's life. With so many years ahead of her, Madison Cunningham is going to be exciting to watch push boundaries, hers and others'.

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Folk Alley