Stacy Clark – Symmetry
Review by Theresa Pham
Stacy Clark’s new album Symmetry is an electro/indie pop gold mine. From her humble singer-songwriter start, Clark has matured immensely since her first album’s release in 2006. Her new music is innovation and extremely creative. Symmerty packs a playful punch that will leave listeners in a much more optimistic and positive mood.
The album opens strong with “Figured It Out,” a cute track that addresses a surprisingly heavier topic. Clark plays with various vocal textures that layer interestingly over her already complex drum lines and background harmonies. Mid way through the album, Clark shows a darker more mature side with “Days Into Nights.” “Days Into Nights” is much less airy and has immense depth that consumes the listeners like being engulfed by a big soft blanket. She then moves to “Lose My Mind” which draws much more to her earlier music and such a beachy listen.
The album does take an odd turn towards the end. The themes are much a bit more angsty and the songs much slower. Clark ends the album with an eerie distant heart tearing “Breathe.” The acoustic guitar and vocal only track ends the album with Clark singing “I try my best just to breathe.” From the opening track “Figured It Out,” I would have never expected that ending.
My favorite song off the album would have to be closing track “Everything’s Changing.” The song is a beautiful duet with Andrew McMahon of Something Corporate. “Everything’s Changing” opens with a beautiful and simple guitar accompaniment that grows to add piano. Just when you didn’t think the song could get any lovelier, McMahon’s harmonies are such subtly slipped in. What a perfectly compliment, but contracts Clark’s voice. Each vocalist has extremely distinct tone colors, yet harmonizes in a raw, sweet and sincere manner.
The most impressive aspect of the album is Clark’s creative restraint and cautiousness. The craftsmanship and balance of the album may just barely escape being cheesy and overdone, the album is radio friendly and intriguing enough that will make her songs stand out. All her songs are catchy and her hooks are all distinct and showcase her personality; think a candy coated (early) Katie Herzig, Kate Nash or A Fine Frenzy.
Symmetry is quite a fascinating listen. Clark takes the listener on a scattered emotional journey that is offbeat, quirky and surprising. Remember that old saying “don’t judge a book by its cover” that we are all so familiar with? Well do not judge Clark’s music from the first listen. Her songs may sounds like one thing, but the moment you pay a bit more attention to the lyrics, she will steal your heart away and give you something to really sink your teeth into.
Overall Rating: 4/5
Recommended Tracks: “Days Into Night,” “Everything’s Changing,” and “Breathe”
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