Warp and Weft is Laura Veir’s ninth studio album, and if you like her previous efforts, you’ll like this one too. It doesn’t differ much; offering more of her simplistic lyrics, pedal guitar and multitude of jazz, folk and rock guest artists.
From a non-fan’s point of view, the album begins well with the gorgeous 'Sun Song'; from the opening bars this is evocative of riding Route 66 with the top down in 70s California with Neko Case adding her own brand of cool.
It never really matches this giddy height again as each song that follows is a mixture of bland lyrics, reedy vocals and a cacophony of instruments all vying for attention; 'Dorothy of the Island' is an adaption of American Folk classic 'Motherless Children' but here it appears only childishly preachy.
The choice of collaborators on the album, such as Neko Case and KD Lang, only highlight the gulf between Laura Veirs and those artists. It's not that they're more talented, just more enjoyable to listen to. Warp and Weft won’t be bringing any new fans to the party, but old fans will love this nonetheless.
