HANNALEE
Morchella
Hannalee

www.hannaleesong.com
 

This EP features the trio of Michael Notter, Fidelia Rowe and Anna-Lisa Notter; it bursts with joy and great harmonies front and center. Michael wrote all but one of the songs (a co-write with Fidelia) and sings lead on all of them, the women singing back-up. While the vocals blend well and add interest to each song, it gives each cut a similar, repetitious feel. I would’ve liked to hear one of the women sing lead on a song or two.

I love the earthy percussion on each cut. It’s not a full drum set – maybe a shaker and a cardboard box. Whatever it is, it suits each song well. Other instruments include acoustic guitar, bass and something that might be a xylophone – strange, I know, but like the unique percussion, it enhances the arrangements.

“Can’t Believe It” is centered around a cool guitar riff. There’s a dreamy feel in “Asleep in the Attic.” I love the interesting melodic changes in the sweet love song, “The Wedding Song.” In “Home You’re Leaving,” they sing about a guy who can’t seem to leave his hometown and maybe that’s a good thing. Michael doesn’t dive too deep into characters or story lines, rather, he presents us with a series of scenes that fit the mood of the song and offers a memorable melody.

The liner notes are ridiculously tiny and almost impossible to read. The reverse side has a simple drawing of a honey comb. Charming, but that space would’ve been better used to print the lyrics, enabling a larger font. Musician credits would’ve been nice, too.

Design reservations aside, if you love tight harmonies and upbeat songs, you should give this pleasing disc a listen.

— Jamie Anderson