I listened to Gina Holsopple’s new album, Unless, while I was on my couch doing some work. I found my head floating about to her hypnotizing piano and Romantic lyrics, instantly transplanting my stress with glee. I really dig this album. It has a similar sound to so many other artists I have heard, but somehow Gina’s music slithered into my bones. There’s a rude authenticity in its feel and sound that I eagerly support. The question you are all inevitably wondering: is it any good? What is Good music? The debate is endless and so are the aspiring candidates. The answer is simple really; good music is any music that inspires desirable feelings. Gina Holsopple will most certainly do that.
Gina is a traveler and her music takes on the traveler’s air. The light footed and swift-paced mentality resonates in the songs, which are just as well sung in the concert hall as on the trail; songs like, “If I Were”and “Long Dirt Road”are perfect ditties to hum while you walk. No matter where you’re headed, this album will make the journey a little brighter with its playful imagery and clever rhymes. The songs in the album are co-written and performed by Matt Wood, along with Gina the triple entente of acoustic guitar, piano, and violin give the music a mountain feel. It is like a tamed sort of bluegrass, not as wild or rascal-bout. It’s softer, more composed, and a little more mid-western. iTunes classifies the album as “Singer/Songwriter” which I can only interpret to mean folk. Although a broad classification, it is music for the people by the people. It is delivered in concise, easy to remember doses (on average two and a half minutes a pop), and it has an innate country feel, which brings it into, or damn close to the folk genre.
Let Gina Holsopple grow on you. Her meandering melodies and winsome voice are sure to make your foot tap, head bob, and lips open wide with a smile. Unless, is not a revolutionary piece of artwork, but it is good music, and good music is good enough. Any album you can listen to start to finish, over and over is worth your time and money. There is something to be said about homegrown music, and this is what I have to say. Support the grass roots musicians in the business because they’re the ones who make it real. I look forward to Gina’s next album; hopefully this one stirs up the pond enough to get her name out there. Easy listening everyone, enjoy.
Brad Crescenzo-MuzikReviews.com Contributor
February 16, 2009
