Blood Test is singer-songwriter, Kris Delmhorst first record since Shotgun Singer in 2008. Though released last spring, it is only now the hugely gifted acts backs up the record with a UK tour. Delmhorst is married to fellow singer-songwriter Jeffery Foucault and has of late been preoccupied, since she became the mother of their baby daughter.
At her best she unerringly draws the listener to her muse like the proverbial moth to the blame, effortlessly. As often is the case here. Especially on the occasions the arrangements are more simplistic (‘I was focused on paring things down to their elements, less flash, more bone. So it is just the four of us on Blood test, with very few overdubs, playing the songs and letting the imperfections be part of the story’) and with hushed tones she spins a delicate and intricate lyrical web, which is underlined on the opening track “Blood Test”. Her wonderful poise, deft variations in tone are there for all to enjoy, and there is more of which to follow.
Mesmeric and awash in rich deft textures Delmhorst is accompanied by friend, fellow singer-songwriter Anders Parker (Varnaline, Gob Iron, New Multitudes). Anders not only co-produced the record with Delmhorst, but he also brought to the party, two other musicians in Konrad Meissner (Brandi Carlile, The Silos) on drums and percussion and multi-instrumentalist Mark Spencer (Blood Oranges, Lisa Loeb, Laura Cantrell, Son Volt). There may only be four players perform on the record, but there is no lack of activity on the instrumental front. What with Parker (electric 6 & 12 string guitar, bass, vocals), Delmhorst (vocals, guitar, piano) and Spencer as you would expect (bass, pedal steel, electric guitar, piano, organ, vibraphone) easing to the front Delmhorst’s music from time to time strikes out good and hard. Sometimes simmering just below the surface to rise up every once in a while, as on “92nd Street”, “Saw It All” prior to poetic jewel “Bees”; prior to “We Deliver”; this where like a bird she soars aided by organ, incessant rhythm and cultured lead guitar to a lofty level peppered with exciting tones.
On throwing off any restrictive shackles Delmhorst hits all the right places on “Bright Green World” prior to Spencer powering her music along at great haste on “Temporary Sun”, gentle coercing ode “Hushabye” and on remembering the passing of a friend, “My Ohio” touches the heart and soul of the listener through both the lyrics, and her wistful vocals.
Maurice Hope
Footnote; Check her site for UK dates in April.