Pare-Phillips, Scout – “Heed The Call” – [Dais]

Thurston Hunger   5/6/2015   12-inch, A Library

New old timey quasi-UK folk song in high voice and with high
drama by Scout Pare-Phillips. She of modern Baltimore physically
but permeating further ancient fields with her song call. Some
harpsichord joins the harpie herself, both provide a trilling
thrill. The lead-off track feels like a Gaelic gale storm sung
from the cliffs of Moher. The next number with its rattle guitar
chord descending feels like Cat Power caught in the 18th century.
Scout was not so long ago a Sterling Sister, their Cricket Cemetery
single also anachronistic, but more wild west than the flavor of
Shirley Collins’ grandmother here. That being said the guitar
has a bit of mooonshine to it at times, very stark instrumental
accompaniment is used to showcase Scout’s ornate vocalizations.
Her voice mixed in a set on the radio, I think will snare a lot
of ears, it’s both pretty and sort of slicing. There’s definitely
a feeling of love going wrong in the lyrics, falling or failing
or vanishing. Dais is a fascinating label in the jumping across
borders they deliver, I like the idea of this release upsetting
folk purists and pop tarts alike. Hmmm, just went to her web site
and I didn’t know she’s a Black Stripe on Jack White’s latest
love disruptions. Also she’s got a bit of a Jarboe’s eye if
not her wardrobe. As a musician *or* a photographer, keeping an
eye out for Scout seems wise at present.
-Thurston Hunger