The best music has more than a bit of truth in it. It must come from somewhere real, somewhere that, even if it doesn’t give up all of its secrets and hidden meanings to the listener, enables the artist to deliver it with conviction, with heart. Mnemonics, Amy Jay’s new album, is just such a collection of songs.
Having been born out of mnemonic devices and personal mantras—life lines she used to tether herself as she sought to find her place in New York’s turbulent music scene —they grew into an album of songs that are both intimate and relatable, personal yet universal. Blending indie-folk finesse with an understated yet sophisticated pop accessibility, she gives us ten songs that are both richly adorned and lyrically allow her to wear her heart so openly on her sleeve.
“How The Mind Can Be A Trap” guides us in, poised and perfectly paced, Jay’s vocals are set against a rich tapestry of interwoven guitar textures and layers of subtle, and indeed supple, sonics. It is hard to pick just a few favourites from this splendid album, but “The Critic” is up there with the best, a blend of floating music set to sibilant, resonant percussion as atmospheres build and sonic weight seems to grow as it moves forward.
“Excuse Me” is also a standout track (admittedly in an album of standout tracks), indie-pop at its most adventurous and experimental, bridging forward-thinking modernity and familiar sounds. “The Little Things” is sonic grace meets unmissable groove, and the ethereal “Move On” underlines just how beautiful her voice is.
An astonishing album, songs written for all the right reasons, and so intimate and soul-searching that as a listener you almost feel guilty, as if you are reading someone’s diary entries, yet so compelling are they that you can’t make yourself look away.
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