Houswife

Debut album review from Bob Ham of Willamette Week: "The first album by Houswife-a self-titled, self-released affair, recorded at home and at Jackpot! Studios in 2010-is an impressively assured work for someone who is just now dipping her toes into the music scene of her Portland hometown. Some of the delay for the 31-year-old artist was the ever-evolving composition process, which had her tucked away in the studio for the last few years. The result of that process is songs that are heady and tuneful, pop music that doesn't follow your typical pop structures but sticks with you long after the song ends. Her sound bears the mark of the music that inspired Parker to start playing music as a child. The delicate and insistent sound of the piano comes equally from her love of the work of Mozart and Rachmaninoff; the circuitous swirl of her guitar playing inspired by folk artists like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. You can hear the imprint of modern indie rock on these songs, as well. "Let The Walls" echoes with the ghostly pull of artists like Cat Power and PJ Harvey, and "Cutting Cords" aching like the best moments of Bill Callahan. Add to it, a vocal style that gives a tangy, brassy edge to lyrics that closely examine the intricacies of life from both a personal and a universal angle. This sharp musicianship highlights songs that are equal parts measured and thoughtful, playful and blithe. Like all the best albums, the more time you devote to the first full-length by Houswife, the more you will get out of it, and it becomes obvious that Parker is going to quickly establish herself comfortably amid the pantheon of talent in the Rose City." - Robert Ham, WW.