One Track Mind

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Scarcely any artists merit comparison to the absurdly gifted Neko Case, but Audra Mae may be one of them. The Oklahoman singer and songwriter has just released her debut recording, the five track Haunt EP, a stunning premiere which showcases her considerable vocal prowess. Like Case, Mae’s singing easily ranges from honeyed, lightly accented cooing to a booming, powerful delivery. From a musical perspective, other touchstones are the indie-friendly, folksy melodies of Hayley Bonar and Jessica Lea Mayfield. However, Mae commands a force which eludes these peers, a drawling bluster which may explain why she feels at home on SideOneDummy Records, a label known more for punk rock swagger (Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello, The Gaslight Anthem) than Jenny Lewis‘ gospel-gilded twang.

Haunt opens with “The River,” a song that coasts delicately on melodies hewn in the tradition of spirituals, barely-there acoustic guitars, and a swaying seabed of harmonious oohs and ahs. Its construction is uncomplicated enough to allow Mae’s vocals to remain where they should be: front and center in the mix, especially during the rousing final minute. “The River” is not simply pretty, it’s downright gorgeous, and the fact that this session is Mae’s first bodes very well for her future as an artist. She may not be quite on Neko’s plane yet, but the potential and talent are undisputably there.