Jane Weaver – “Flock” Review

Story posted March 10, 2021 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by Jon Mead

Alt-rock and psych-folk musician Jane Weaver is back with the release of her 11th album “Flock” — and it may be her best work yet.

“Flock” marks her first release in two years since 2019 with the album “Fenella.”

Weaver began her career in the U.K. indie scene of the mid/late ‘90s with the band Kill Laura, producing five singles under the influence of one of the most popular indie genres at the time, Britpop.

Her solo career began shortly after the demise of Kill Laura, and she would release her first LP “Like an Aspen Leaf” in 2002.

She would go on to release future albums such as “Seven Day Smile” (2006), “The Fallen by Watchbird” (2010) and “The Silver Globe” (2014), dabbling in genres such as folktronica and psych folk. In her work, she takes influences from Americana; this is something that is quite apparent not just through her music but through her albums’ titles and artwork as well.

Weaver’s latest album shows that transition in her discography from folk and psychedelic-inspired sounds to songs that are a lot more poppy and experimental.

What’s so amazing about each of Weaver’s records is that they all provide the listener with a completely different experience compared to other artists, whose overall work is either homogeneous or repetitive — not that Weaver’s music doesn’t have its flaws.

But she still retains that psychedelic atmosphere — that’s for sure — especially on the first track “Heartlow” while remaining a pop album.

The use of warping and ‘80s-inspired synths is on the rise in the modern-day indie scene. Like many other sounds that gain popularity, this can often be overused and repetitive. But Weaver pulls it off and it works well in songs such as “The Revolution of Super Visions” and “Stages of Phases.”

Fans of classic indie will also like the track “Modern Reputation,” as its electronics and vocals are almost reminiscent of the 1990s English-French indie electronic band Stereolab.

Nothing is to be said about “Flock,” the LP’s self-titled song, other than it’s an absolute banger. The percussive drum banging, the flutes, the chimes and Weaver’s echoey voice all work with each other in tandem, creating an enchanting listening experience.

When it comes to thematic influences, the artist’s inspirations range from birds to Eric Rohmer films.

Birds have played a special role in Weaver’s music — one can tell just by looking at the album’s cover — as she has mentioned in an interview with BrooklynVegan that the visualization and beauty of birds are a huge guiding force whenever she writes music.

In the end, “Flock” is an amazing addition to Weaver’s works. Many fans will fall in love with this newest record.

Rating: 8/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “The Revolution of Super Visions,” “Flock” and “Sunset Dreams”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Song: “All the Things You Do”

Jon Mead is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.

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