Texas raised, UK based singer/songwriter, Anna Carow, has produced a spellbindingly captivating debut EP, simply entitled, Open.
Carow could not wait to escape Texas and decided to make London her home in 2013. She soon realised however, that the music she was making was inspired by the people and the places of her youth.
I wouldn’t have guessed it as a teenager, but it turns out that once you’ve left it, that uniquely American suburban sprawl and in-between-everything-gas-station-nothingness can be quite inspiring to look back on”.
ANNA CAROW
A soothing and enchanting acoustic guitar sets the scene, and after around one minute, Carow’s harrowing and soul-piercing vocals are introduced. At just two minutes and forty seven seconds long, the opening title track of the album lays the perfect foundation for Carow’s beautiful debut EP.
‘Point of No Return’ showcases the songstress’s extensive vocal range, as she transforms herself into a modern day folk star. It’s the stand out track on the EP as far as I am concerned, as Carow recounts the classic tale of a love story gone wrong. The chorus is haunting, as the artist lays bare her soul for all to hear.
‘Arizona Dirt’ brings us back down to earth, as Carow croons her way wistfully through the song. A gentle acoustic guitar is the order of the day here, but make no mistake, the vocals are the star of the show. An eerie violin makes a perfectly timed introduction, and only adds to the entrancing atmosphere of the track.
The EP ends almost as quickly as it began, with the album’s closing track, Sand. Echoed, salty vocals that remind me of Joan Osborne lead the way. I may be missing a synth or two, but apart from that, Sand is purely a cappella. This allows Carow to end her EP the way she began it, displaying her vocal prowess.
What Carow has accomplished in just twelve minutes and thirty-seven seconds is remarkable. A beautiful blend of her American roots, intertwined with London’s sensibilities. There is certainly more to come from this extremely talented musician.
Anna Carow » Open EP
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