Emmy The Great's sophomore album, "Virtue," shows the continuing expansion of Emma-Lee Moss' songwriting abilities. Her tender approach and frisky wordplay make her easy on the ears.
Moss and her backing band begin with "Dinosaur Sex," a song two minutes too long but a fun track nonetheless. It's either fossil fuels and the demise of Western civilization, or a failed relationship. You'll have to be the judge, because Moss is frequently coy with the plot lines to her songs.
"A Woman, A Woman, A Century of Sleep" delves into the world of the bored housewife, desperately seeking emotional vigor in a world hamstrung by domesticity. Moss approaches the subject with thoughtful aplomb as she sings, "Now I have to find a dress/ Have to buy a dress/ Have to sew it "til the pieces mesh."
Yet for all her upside, Moss comes off as a bit of stylistic borrower. There's a little too much Natalie Merchant and Harriet Wheeler, of The Sundays, in her voice. An occasional recognizable influence is forgivable. But just when you think it's only going to last for a song or two, six songs have gone by and it remains too close for comfort.
To move forward and enjoy Moss on her own merits, the listener must embrace the quick and lilting lyrical approach with open arms and accept the sonic similarity. If that can be done, "Virtue" is a treat.
CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: "Cassandra" is one of the best songs, beginning with just a smattering of guitar and eschewing the lead-vocal dominance of most of the other tracks that often relegates her backing band to don't-play-too-loud status. It's a better blend of skills than all the other tracks.
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