Kim Richey
Chinese Boxes
Vanguard
Chinese Boxes is acclaimed singer-songwriter Kim Richey’s first studio album in five years, and she has marked her return to the scene with an album as diverse as it is enjoyable.
Richey has never been afraid to progress her sound and songwriting – as demonstrated by her previous record, Rise – and Chinese Boxes is no exception, containing elements of folk, edgy Americana and delicate pop. The title track is a memorable, effervescent romp, while the left-of-center pop of first single “Jack and Jill” shows the fruits of Richey’s production partnership with Giles Martin (son of George), and “Not a Love Like This” has a foot-stomping country influence.
“I Will Follow” perfectly encapsulates Richey’s melodic sensibilities, the poignant “Drift” shows her introspective side and the stunning mid-tempo ballad “Turn Me” is another highlight. But the standout track in a collection of real gems is the delicate acoustic tune “The Absence of Your Company,” which emphasizes how good it is to have a true artist like Richey making music again after such a long hiatus. Hopefully she won’t leave it so long next time.
Kim Richey: http://www.kimrichey.com
