Brigid Mae Power
The Two Worlds


4.0
excellent

Review

by Atari STAFF
February 12th, 2018 | 40 replies


Release Date: 2018 | Tracklist

Review Summary: Gratitude

The Two Worlds feels completely intimate; an album recovered from the ashes of Brigid Mae Power’s isolation. On her sophomore effort, the Irish songwriter doesn’t seem concerned with being clever or sarcastic; she seems more content just letting the words come out. It’s an album of confessions and often sparsely used instrumentals – backed by the musician's always soaring delivery. Her range doesn’t go unnoticed here. At times, she’s gentle enough to lull a baby to sleep, but at her most passionate, her music carries the weight of a much fiercer current.

Even with a more stripped-down approach at times – the light, sporadic fuzz throughout – the The Two Worlds isn’t without substance or variation. Many tracks make their impact with very little, like the softly placed centerpiece, “Is My Presence In The Room Enough For You?” The track is made up of nothing more than a hushed piano and Brigid’s poignant vocals, sung gently over the light feedback of static. Like several tracks, the fragile and careful piano playing brings to mind true greats like Chopin. On the other hand, several cuts have much more life to them. “Peace Backing Us Up” conjures up visuals of lush scenery: a tune that mixes her Sarah McLachlan-esque vocals with traditional Irish folk melodies. Same goes for the closing track, with its bright accordions and unmistakable Celtic flavor.

On The Two Worlds, Brigid Mae Power makes the most of her minimalistic approach to folk music; it seems no time is wasted. Right off the bat, we get a closer view into her outlook on life: “I’m grateful,” she sings, over and over again on the serene intro to the album. When it’s over, with these words echoing in your mind, you can’t help but feel a bit guilty for not always having such an optimistic tone. Brigid’s music has this effect throughout The Two Worlds, her delivery always possessing a powerful grip on the listener. It’s an album that spells authenticity; one simply uninterested with popular trends or a specific audience. Instead, it comes across as an exclusive portrayal of what’s deeply important to the songwriter. Be it the lush, massive hills of Ireland or her genuine gratitude to just breath fresh air, The Two Worlds seems conjured up from the musician’s most isolated, profound moments. Lucky for us, she’s been kind enough to share them – and man, what gorgeous moments these are.



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user ratings (20)
3.5
great


Comments:Add a Comment 
Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 12th 2018


28012 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

here I am, attempting to review yet another singer-songwriter release without sounding like a redundant ass



loving the mixture of the more minimal tracks and the more upbeat, Celtic-influenced ones. was hooked the moment I heard " I'm Grateful", and I'm grateful for this album :]



http://www.brooklynvegan.com/brigid-mae-power-streaming-new-album-the-two-worlds/

verdant
Emeritus
February 12th 2018


2505 Comments


found this record a couple of days ago, and it is incredible ahhhh

will read this later, but i'm sure it's a characteristically lovely read !

Frippertronics
Emeritus
February 12th 2018


19570 Comments


oh lordy

Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 12th 2018


28012 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

hey verdant (thought you might dig this)! such a beautiful album



hi Fripp. that bad eh? you might not hate this honestly

Trebor.
Emeritus
February 12th 2018


60062 Comments


seems like a lady I would like

all staff comments waddup

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
February 12th 2018


32191 Comments


Honestly I was surprised by how good this is. Not your every day sad girl singing to the wind, this is something else. Tx Atari for the rec.

And sorry to break the Staff chain ):

Conmaniac
February 12th 2018


27704 Comments


hey its atari !!

robin
February 12th 2018


4595 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

helllllllllllllllll yes

DoofusWainwright
February 12th 2018


19991 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Good album but, you guessed it, quite darn similar to the first

CaimanJesus
February 12th 2018


3815 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

Need to check this

budgie
February 12th 2018


38237 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

where did you buy this album? love what i heard anyway.





now you have to review fazerdaze and memoryhouse

InfamousGrouse
February 12th 2018


4378 Comments


can't wait to give this a spin

luci
February 13th 2018


12844 Comments


Opener is stunning, rest of the record is pretty good. Probably a 3.5 from me

Project
February 13th 2018


5903 Comments


ooh I'mma need to spin this a few more times. Is My Presence and the closer are lovely. great review too

Atari
Staff Reviewer
February 13th 2018


28012 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

cheers everyone!! agreed the opener is stunning, it immediately hooked me



2 robin sightings in one week?! feeling blessed









Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
February 14th 2018


32191 Comments


The opener is bliss, love that droning tempo.

Slex
February 14th 2018


17317 Comments


Listening now and yeah w o w that opener

Dewinged
Staff Reviewer
February 15th 2018


32191 Comments


God I love this woman.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJm0xdhynj0

DoofusWainwright
February 15th 2018


19991 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

Seems a slightly bigger buzz around this album than the debut - are people thinking this is the better album?

luci
February 15th 2018


12844 Comments


I think that people are just first encountering her with this album



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