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Organically fusing haunting piano progressions and stripped-back, honest vocals, Lisa Humber’s latest EP delves fearlessly into a plethora of vulnerabilities and emotions.
In the same instance, The Space Between maintains a fairly timeless alt-pop presence – long-form melodies and a fine use of contrast from uncertainty to brightness, as per the changing stages of each piece. The opener, Shades Of Grey, is all of this, and introduces the sound well.
Later bringing through elements of additional musicianship for a more full and consistently versatile approach, the music welcomes strings, live rhythms and even pop-punk guitar moments, as we move across the upbeat likes of Skin, and the pop-rock ballad that is And I Know.
Always our songwriter showcases a fine balance between personal anecdotes and the deeply poetic framing of ideas; making for a notably accessible yet still genuine, openly human breadth of connection.
For the title-track, long-form melodies rise and fall, alongside quick fingerpicking and a rising pop soundscape. The pace kicks up again, the voice accessing a more energetic realm for a welcomed shift in energy and again to reinforce that eclecticism of ability.
Often juxtaposing moments of quiet contemplation with those that bounce through a more hopeful sense of possibility, the set-up of the project and indeed many of its individual songs holds tightly to the listener’s interest. The presentation is familiar, yet the writing is continuously fresh, and that’s what helps the project stand out.
With You is a definite highlight, and a personal favourite. The simplicity of an acoustic guitar strum and these short lines in the build up to a more anthemic resolve is mighty, plus the raw emotion of the lyrics proves instantly moving; allowing the listener to attach the whole thing to their own experiences, and escape entirely into the mood.
The bigger-band feel of a conceptually poignant Love and Money also hits with brilliant impact afterwards.
Interesting production traits are subtle yet effective throughout, such as with the tumbling rhythm and wave-like progression of Lucky 13. And to finish, the quiet finger-picking of Not Worth Losing presents a lasting sense of gratitude and intimacy. The suddenly solo-folk arrangement suits the naturally smooth tones of Lisa’s voice – another highlight, familiar yet enjoyable, and a strong way to close down the album.
Confidently blending recognisable pop-rock and folk qualities with impressively original storytelling and structural shifts from verse to chorus, The Space Between celebrates the art of songwriting and expression in a pure and likable manner. It’s a cleanly-crafted, faultlessly performed collection, and a pleasure to lose yourself within for a while.
Download or stream the music here. Check out Lisa Humber on Twitter & Instagram or visit this Website.
ARTICLE LINK HERE
The multi-talented Lisa Humber has just released her latest single 'With You' at the end of August. It feels like the perfect track for this time of year; a beautiful and subtle mix of bitter and sweet. Having always had musicality running through her veins from being a child, Lisa has finally made her dream project a reality. We're glad she has! Let's delve a little deeper behind the track...
Lisa Humber is a musician, theatre artist, talk-show host and producer based in Toronto, Canada. 'With You' is the third song in a series of six to be released over the next six months which will ultimately culminate with the release of a full album. This track is absolutely mesmerisingly beautiful. Lisa's captivating voice will soothe you, as warm guitar and piano will sway your soul gently. The lyrics are candid and raw, with an optimism to be found in the longing of the chorus: being 'With you' feels like a vague possibility in these moments. The hopefulness of the bridge: 'With you I am set free' is made all the more poignant with the appearance of a stunning string arrangement.
The song is a lesson in classic songwriting. It has the perfect balance between tension and release, and no part is overbearing. Lisa's voice is able to shine through, yet the music too has a voice of its own. If you'd like to see Lisa herself animating this song, check out her touching accompanying music video right HERE
ARTICLE LINK HERE
Lisa Humber states her case in black and white on her bold new ballad Shades Of Grey — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Featuring bold piano and moody, dramatic strings, he Canadian singer-songwriter’s piano-driven ballad can be taken as both a challenge to think critically as well as a diary chronicling the tumultuous end of a relationship. The one thing she knows for certain, however, is she can’t succumb to wishy-washiness, or to rigid thinking. The longing for a deeper connection is visceral and palpable.
“Shades Of Grey is an anthem for the times,” the Toronto artist says. “Born in the midst of misinformation and fake news, this song is a rallying cry urging listeners to ask questions.”
The song is one of eight on Humber’s new EP The Space Between, slated for a late-August release. The project represents the renewed commitment Humber made to her own music during the pandemic; up until then, she had always worked behind the scenes as a stage manager for touring commercial musicals. “I love that job,” Humber says. “I thrive on the fast-paced exciting world of backstage life. Music has always existed in the space between my professional ambitions and the blue skies version of my life.
“I don’t want to call this a pandemic record,” she continues, “but I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that in March of 2020, Covid-19 not only changed life as we know it on a global scale, but it also had a significant impact on a micro individual level. When it felt like everything else had been taken away, music and the stories I wanted to share through my own creations were the only thing that made sense.”
Blending dreamy alt-pop, melancholic rhymes, hopeful optimism, and elements of adult alternative to create a unique sound that rises from the ashes of the pandemic, The Space Between highlights life in the space between the good, the bad, and the messy.
Humber collaborated with producer and guitar master Justin Abedin, who she met while working backstage on the musical Come From Away. “Justin has this incredible ability to breathe beauty into everything he does and knows exactly how to frame and shape my lyrics and melodies into something that feels authentically me,” Humber shares. “Without him, I don’t think these ideas and songs would exist outside of my own heart and mind.”
Watch the video for Shades Of Grey above, sample more songs from Lisa Humber below, and find her at her website, Instagram and Twitter.
ARTICLE LINK HERE
