Deb Montgomery’s new EP, All the Water, will drop October 13. Currently based in Seattle, Deb Montgomery ventures forth in a different musical direction on All the Water.
She explains how the album came together, saying, “All the Water was written early this year mostly on the Oregon Coast. I moved over to electric guitar and a Vox Amp and began to write differently. Within one month of writing the songs, Mikel Perkins of Soundhouse in Seattle heard me play at a gig at Substation in Seattle and pursued me about making this EP. The EP was recorded in Soundhouse within a month, and features some of Seattle’s best players. I’ve been on fire about these songs and imagine them rolling through the world because of their invitation to healing and hoping, to staying connected in the midst of all that is falling apart. I am in love with playing electric these days and the way it invites a different sound.”
Born in Canada, Montgomery moved to Seattle from New York City. Rooted in rock music, but employing acoustic subtlety, her music brings together diverse layers of sonic color, while her lyrics brim with authenticity amid delicate threads of almost prayer-like vulnerability.
Montgomery has shared the stage, and recorded with talents like Andy Stochansky, Ron Sexsmith, Bob Wiseman, and Julie Kent, as well as performing solo.
All the Water encompasses five tracks, starting off with the title track, opening with an elegant guitar and percussive accents. Montgomery’s voice, a gorgeous instrument, conjures up tonal qualities of Joni Mitchell, only more resonant and muscular. The shimmering melody of this track is absolutely yummy, flowing with delectable hues.
“Dig For Diamonds” rides a So-Cal soft rock tune, only with a little more oomph. I love the electric guitar in this song, full of country rock flavors and laid-back textures. “Wake Me” opens with a crisp rhythm and underscoring a light indie-rock tune with savors of folk running through it. Montgomery’s vocal flow achieves a wonderful undulating sonority, infusing the lyrics with contagious coruscations.
“Hold On” presents a measured intro, followed by a potent indie rock ambience, streaming with pulsing surfaces and swelling energy. This is probably my favorite tune on the EP because of its rolling momentum, like heavy waves crashing ashore.
“Mend” projects tender, elegant colors rife with poignancy, while Montgomery’s voice spins a web of translucent textures.
Wonderfully shaped with both delicacy and muscularity, All the Water is one of this year’s must-listen-to gifts from a brilliant artist – Deb Montgomery.