Album Name: The Honest Voluptuary
Artist: Leyna Noel
Year/Label: 2005 / Independent
Review by Anna Maria Stjärnell
Leyna Noel’s debut starts with the barest whisper of words and quietly strummed guitar. But soon we are in interesting territory with “Cling Peaches”.
I know you thought I was alone.
But me and Debbie Harry were making calamity on the dancefloor
sings Noel.
Her soft delivery and the musical backing are interesting.
Her words continue to take the unexpected route on “Pinafore” even as the backing is only Noel’s guitar.
The record is very indie, minimalistic and individual in nature and perhaps a tad underproduced. But the songs fascinate, as if Tanya Donelly and Cat Power worked together to create songs.
The title track is suggestive and mysterious as Noel and her piano weaves. “Lock of Your Hair” states “fear melted like butter but didn’t burn. I didn’t bruise when you maneuvered me” to a stately melody. Noel’s artless singing makes it even more compelling.
This album is curious but beguiling, like someone you can’t quite understand but find yourself drawn to time and again.
Posted on April 24, 2005
Track Listing
1. Orphantine
2. Cling Peaches
3. Pinafore
4. Matchseller
5. 7:45 am / Bluesong / Southpaw
6. So Shines a Good Deed in a Weary Girl
7. Caroline Tells Me
8. The Honest Voluptuary
9. So Stand Still
10. Exigency
11. Lock of Your Hair
12. Solving It