Exceedingly Strong Debut for Ashley Monical
This is one of the strongest debut albums to be heard in an extremely long time, and that is said with the total package being beautifully delivered. The voice is strong even when delicacy is required there is strength and not uncertainty or hesitation in her voice, it seems to always come from inside her and a place of strength, even when she is unsure. The songs are all either written of co-written by her, they show her as any complex human being is, with many facets and variables. The songs have a very personal feel, however at the same time they are universal; facing ‘wants’/desires and what to do, and personal truth.
She (lead vocals, acoustic guitar and keys) and Producer John Evans (guitar on this disc) recruited some fellow Austinites to play on the disc such as Scott Davis (bass, electric guitar, organ, acoustic guitar,accordion, and keys)), Trevor Nealon (keys track 9), and Falcon Valdez (drums and percussion) Band of Heathens members all, plus a scattering of others to flesh out the sound on backing vocals and violins. They set up recording out in Wimberley on some land her father had and spent a couple of weeks living and recording out there.
What truly stand out on this disc is the power and conviction of her songs as they are portrayed and presented by her strong rich voice. It is almost as if she is discovering the power that is in herself to do something this liberating and at the same time intimidating and intense. There is that terrifying deep cliff of self discovery and she has navigated the twists and turns and steep falls.
by bob gottlieb