Edgewise

Linda Draper’s wise, wistful, and quietly devastating folk-pop reaches new levels of refinement on Edgewise. The album's well-sculpted melodies and richly poetic lyrics bring early Joni Mitchell and Kate McGarrigle to mind, with a quirky indie pop influence added. The mood is cool but not indifferent, rooted in everyday heartache and tempered by steely resolve. “Glass Palace,” “In Good Hands,” and “Sleepwalkers” are typical of Draper’s deft sense of satire, delivered with a sweetly piquant vocal edge that’s uniquely hers. “Take It from Me”—a knowing glimpse of an aging couple—shows off both her empathy and her delicate touch. These tracks' surface charm often conceals moody undercurrents, evident in tunes like the pensive, British folk–influenced “Hollow” and the bluesy, obsessive “Live Wire.” Producer Matt Keating combines acoustic and electric sounds to bring out the country colors of “Shadow of a Coal Mine” and the bluegrass shadings in “So Long.” A yearning take on Paul McCartney’s “Blackbird” complements Draper’s originals, enhancing this fine song collection.