| Liz Durrett delivers a fine collection of songs, displaying a hauntingly
beautiful voice and clearly articulating her feelings and thoughts. Husk
is a meaningful work of substance, a rich assortment of musical and melodic
color delivered through captivating instrumentation and charming though
often melancholy vocals. The backing vocals are executed throughout this
album in stunning fashion.
Apparently, these songs were written and recorded long ago, between 1993-1996, yet the power and emotional resonance of this work has not diminished. With this collection, Durrett shows her genius and skill as a mature and highly creative songwriter even in college, recording Husk’s material at her parents house “in the woods” in Rome, Ga., and even in her college dorm. With songs that give off a vibe of the mysterious, sad and melancholy, to songs of celebration, love and the secret of faith, Husk is a gift to those of us who wish to find music that helps us tap into our innermost self. Along with the songwriting and Liz’s unmistakable voice, the instrumentation and use of sound to express emotions through densely colored tones is a rare strength. Durrett’s vision is precise and well defined, easy to pick up, yet always leaving you filled with renewed energy after each subsequent listen. The hypnotic, psychedelic trails cast by “Ablaze” and the introspective sounds of the title track and “Vine” are among the album’s best moments. The sheer tug and pull of the seizing and utterly mind-gripping “Captive,” complete with dark piano runs and poetic lyricisms like a “man with a shadow” and “being captive to the wind” is extraordinary for someone who was such a young artist at the time. A work of almost intangible beauty, Husk is that rare work of youth that puts to shame the lesser efforts of those twice the age of Durrett at the time of its recording. (Warm Electronic Recordings)
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