Damien Jurado

Item: Holding His Breath
Author: Tyler Pistol

Holding His Breath

(2003)

Reviewed by Tyler Pistol

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Label AcuarelaDecapolisAugust 2003

folk indie rock singer-songwriter

Damien Jurado has been turning out solo material steadily since 1996, prior to which he was a mainstay in the Seattle punk scene. While some releases prove he can rock with the best of them, he's nicely settled into the role of an introspective, singer songwriter. The Bruce Springsteen/Neil Young comparisons fly, but Damien has developed his own musical feel and has won respect among music critics nationwide.

His latest EP "Holding His Breath" seemingly appeared out of nowhere, with little fanfare, and quite soon after his last full-length. It's a great companion piece to "Where Shall You Take Me?". While it features his "Gathered in Song" backing band, it features none of the rock edge of "I Break Chairs". Damien once again plays the part of the American musical storyteller. Each song is like a sepia-toned antique photograph: the images they present are hazy and out of context, but still manage to tell a gripping story.

"Big Let Down" features backing vocals by Sub Pop Records' Rosie Thomas. The EP also contains Damien's version of folk musician Peggy Seeger's "Butcher's Boy", which makes you wonder what he could do with an album of traditional folk and country songs.

This EP is not essential, but a nice addition to Damien's catalogue. Fans of his music will want to track it down.

B+