SARAH FIMM
White Birds EP
(self-released)
After a four-year hiatus singer/songwriter Sara Fimm returns with a fourth release, a decidedly adult-contemporary affair, whose most predominant characteristic is laid bare after a few spins. Each song on White Birds is awash in practically unavoidable cinematic flourishes, making them seem at times more suitable for soundtrack placement than actual listening. Fortunately for Fimm the songwriting and overall production—as well as her voice—are solid if not remarkable, and help draw in the interested listener’s attention.
A few irksome traits pop up here and there —lead off track “Counting Waves” has a chorus a bit too reminiscent of Tears for Fears’ “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”; “Afraid” bears the stamp of Portishead’s influence before delving into more mainstream waters—but the record’s shining moment is its closing title track, which utilizes some of the electronic treatments found elsewhere on the EP to much better effect, wrapping things up on a positive vibe.
There is evidently much effort and ambition at work on White Birds. That alone, renders it a step above the much-maligned, so-called brunch pop to which it may be compared. But fans of Sarah McLaughlin, the aforementioned Portishead, and Bjork may find themselves enjoying Fimm’s latest, and that’s pretty good company to keep.
