Soul-enhancing dynamic range, the voice of a old one in a young one's body with a harp of gold. J-New's hulloa to the world at large. Newsom's childlike voice brings an unstudied grace to an innocent setting of songs, and such quirkiness is hard to find among most guitar-driven indie acts. From the more whimsical moments of Peach, Plum, Pear and Inflammatory Writ to the dovelike ballad This Side of the Blue, Newsom welcomes the listener to sink into its imagination. Delicate harp arrangements are nicely sprinkled among specks of pianos, organs, and a harpsichord, only adding to the fascination that is Milk-Eyed Mender.
