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Chrys Weedon | Entertainment Editor<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cFirst Flower,\u201d released on Oct. 5, is Molly Burch\u2019s sophomore album and is a complementary companion to her debut album released in early 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n Molly Burch is based in Austin, Texas, and has a background in jazz vocal performance. Her background in jazz is clearly heard in her work, more obviously in this new album than in her first. Her sultry voice and the way in which she approaches her lower register packs her performance with emotion.<\/span><\/p>\n The tone of this new album is more loose and experimental, achieved by Burch\u2019s new vocal approach and the underlying bossa nova-type beats. The sepia-toned guitar and whispering lyrics from the first album \u201cPlease Be Mine\u201d carries over onto \u201cFirst Flower,\u201d solidifying Burch\u2019s sound. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t need to scream to get my point across,\u201d states \u201cTo The Boys,\u201d the feminist anthem on the album.<\/span><\/p>\n Where her first album tackled the crowd-pleaser of unrequited love, Burch\u2019s second album delves into the mind \u2014 more specifically, anxiety and self-doubt. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI think I want to be better,\u201d read the lyrics of the song \u201cGood Behaviour.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n In another song on the album, \u201cCandy,\u201d Molly croons, \u201cwhy do I care what you think?\u201d Contemplative yet never wallowing, these songs play off less hopeless than a vulnerable, honest portrayal of struggling with anxiety.<\/span><\/p>\n Despite overarching themes of self-doubt, Burch also swings to romantic optimism in songs such as \u201cTo The Boys\u201d and \u201cFirst Flower,\u201d where she sings \u201cyou are my man.\u201d Each song is multifaceted and blends themes smoothly. Multiple layers exist in each song, and the simplicity that still remains provides much to appreciate.<\/span><\/p>\n The 11 tracks on the album are short and sweet, with only one breaking the five minute threshold. The tunes don\u2019t ever seem rushed, however. Burch is able to pack so much emotion and storytelling into small packages due to her writing ability. These songs could easily turn into mono-dynamic songs that blend into one another, but this artist\u2019s ability to meld so many different themes in a way that seems so effortless is thanks to her sharp pen. <\/span><\/p>\n Overall rating:<\/b> I would recommend this album.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n