Irish singer Lisa Hannigan’s Sea Sew doesn’t sound like the
debut album that it is. Not surprising, considering her experience.
After seven years of collaborating with and singing backup for Damien
Rice (as well as vocal contributions for The Frames and Herbie
Hancock), she’s put out a collection of her own. Hannigan’s voice moves
fluidly from hushed to dramatic orchestral pop, sometimes simply
breathing and playing with sounds, as in “Venn diagram.” “Ocean and a
Rock” is a long-distance love song, while “I don’t know” is a
refreshingly romantic invitation. Hannigan’s writing is at once
charming, confessional and assured.
This article appears in Apr 9-15, 2009.