Boston singer/songwriter Abbie Barrett likes good, catchy songs and guitars. In what style those things come together depends entirely on what the tune demands – even if that’s several things at once. Thus the title track of her new EP I Will Let You Know blasts out like classic garage rock, but lurches toward postpunk with angular chords and a wiggling synth line (provided by her fellow Bostonite Greg Hawkes of the Cars), while “Reconcile” starts with ethereal vocal ghosts, but continues with glam rock stomp. “Blood & Bone” drapes its noisy guitars on a wistful pop melody, while “The Light” marries acoustic guitar with some plangent cello and low-key feedback. “Better Machine” soars to the back of the arena, while “Here to Stay” lays the bar to waste. The lone cover rustles not into the annals of garage or power pop, but instead digs up Steely Dan’s low-key radio gem “Dirty Work.” Throughout Barrett cuts through the din with her no-nonsense voice and a bag full of sticky hooks. If you like your rock & roll to have strong melodies and the perfect balance between heart and attitude, _I Will Let You Know” will be a “where have you been all my life” moment.
