The Secret Sisters - Quicksand
COUNTRY STANDARD TIME
HomeNewsInterviewsCD ReleasesCD ReviewsConcertsArtistsArchive
 

Quicksand (New West Records, 2021)

The Secret Sisters

Reviewed by Dan MacIntosh

It may be a little jarring to hear The Secret Sisters harmonizing over the machine-like percussion of "Heavy Balloon," a Fiona Apple track taken from that singer/songwriter's esteemed "Fetch the Boltcutters" album. Although also colored by soulful organ and sparse electric guitar, these sonic elements cannot suppress distinctive sibling harmonies so familiar to fans of this duo. It's one of four fine tracks from a brief EP release.

The project's title track, although also slightly rocking, is closer to Laura and Lydia Rogers' usual aural output. Much of this project was inspired by life during the pandemic, and "Quicksand" smartly expresses the emotional hesitancy caused by living during these strange times. The pair's cover of The Strokes' "Somebody," slows the beat (compared to the original) down considerably. If you didn't know better, you might guess this to be an obscure Everly Brothers cover. If you already know The Secret Sisters, you are already aware how this act is oftentimes referred to as a feminine Everly Brothers. The project closes with "The Endless Running Out of Time," which is quiet and pretty. It sounds like a philosophically sophisticated cowboy ballad.

Many artists are putting out EPs like this one because, well, non-touring has given them a little more time on their hands. Although we're now slowly beginning to venture outside our homes again, we still need plenty of bedroom music, and sinking yourself deeply into "Quicksand" is well worth your homebody time.


CDs by The Secret Sisters

Quicksand, 2021 Saturn Return, 2020 You Don't Own Me Anymore, 2017 Put Your Needle Down, 2014 The Secret Sisters, 2010


©Country Standard Time • Jeffrey B. Remz, editor & publisher • countrystandardtime@gmail.com
AboutCopyrightNewsletterOur sister publication Standard Time
Subscribe to Country Music News Country News   Subscribe to Country Music CD Reviews CD Reviews   Follow us on Twitter  Instagram  Facebook  YouTube