Sara Lov Issue #39

Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming

By Molly Riddle
Published: March 1st, 2009 | 3:05pm

Former Devics frontwoman Sara Lov describes her melancholic sound as “simple and sad with a shot of scotch.” Lov’s debut solo release, Seasoned Eyes Were Beaming, contains poignant sentiments that fans of Azure Ray and Dar Williams will likely enjoy. The record’s slow pace may stave off listeners at first; however, these songs stem from darkness and are salted with such genuine emotion that they’re neither boring nor sappy.

Zac Rae’s (Fiona Apple, My Brightest Diamond) production and Darrell Thorp’s (Radiohead, Beck) mixing nicely fill the album with depth and complexities. Album highlights include “Animals,” a jaunty duet featuring Alex Brown Church (Sea Wolf); Lov’s playful yet quieter take on Beck’s “Timebomb”; and an utterly gorgeous version of Arcade Fire’s “My Body Is a Cage.”

Covers aside, Lov’s own lyrics contain substance and depth; once combined with her ethereal voice and backing instrumentals (including pianos, cellos, a pump organ, and celesta), the result is a truly beautiful collection of songs that is as soothing as it is heartbreaking.