Stephanie Babirak – Rotten Fruit
New York City’s Stephanie Babirak is an exceptionally talented harpist, singer-songwriter, and composer that utilizes a synthesis of classical and contemporary influences to achieve atmospheric, indie-folk bliss in her new release, Rotten Fruit. Lyrical content and sonic moods focusing on what it means for something to be “bad” help Babirak attain a wondrous quality in her latest release. The album starts off with “Apocalypse,” which boasts a calming harp and a big bass drum. The song is beach-y, with a smooth, buttery guitar accompaniment. The bits of syncopated percussion sprinkled in add flourishes of aural interest. Song two, “Waves and Whispers,” is a lackadaisical and sweet lullaby. When listening with headphones, the song is truly stunning and immersive. “My thoughts are heavy with your name,” is softly cooed, and the hum of the bass and backup vocals is transcendent. Following the lushness of “Hey Cain,” we come across[...]