Eleanor Friedberger - New View
Eleanor Friedberger
New View
2016
When you learn the story of how this third album from Eleanor Friedberger came about much more of it's tone and substance make sense. After living in New York city for ten years Friedberger packed up her stuff and headed out into the wilderness of upstate. The change has almost immediately transferred into her music where previously her brand of 70s twinged rock was more energetic, more frenzied, now her sound is smoother able to exist without forcing itself into any kind of scene. That "new view" seems to be one of personal introspection of finally taking a look in the mirror devoid of any outside influences. One of the more interesting moments on the albums comes in the transition between "Open Season" and "Sweetest Girl". Instead of a hard stop Friedberger sort of just begins the next track connecting the two in a really exciting way. Most of new View plays like a live album in that we got it clean on the first take kind of way that typifies some of the better rock/soul/folk albums.
While much of the album comes across as effortless it is that same feeling that makes it also feel a bit disposable. Friedberger is giving you a really deep glimpse into her private thoughts and life and being that close can often leave one wanting to turn away. The sound of the music is often ethereal and free flowing but the content is so deep and dense that it can be a lot to wrap your mind around. One thing is for sure Friedberger knows how to write a tight song, there is very little fluff on these tracks and before you know it she is on to the next not letting one thought or another linger for to long. New View feels like a fresh start while never leaving behind that past that made you and maybe even pining for it a little despite the success you may have attained. The final track "A Long Walk" is the one song where Friedberger seems to celebrate her new life despite the pitfalls that may come. New View is the album of someone dealing with a transition, something we all face and thus a record worth taking the time to enjoy.
7.9 out of 10
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