Victory Garden

For the past seven months the beloved and bespectacled musical linguist who introduced many of us to the clocklike tones of her signature kalimba, has been hard at work on her debut full- length album. Now Laura Barrett's Victory Garden will flourish in all its symphonic majesty. As a follow up to the stripped down folk sounds of her Earth Sciences EP, Victory Garden is a sonic masterpiece incorporating the resonance of woodwinds, strings, brass and a range of percussive instruments. Laura calls on a talented ensemble of musicians to aid in making her musical fantasy world a reality: Basia Bulat on autoharp and vocals, Randy Lee (The Bicycles, Hylozoists and Lily Frost) on Violin, Jeremy Strachan (Feuermusik) on clarinet, Lief Mosbaugh (Hidden Cameras) on oboe and viola, John Tielli (Metal Kites) on Theremin and the list goes on. Most notably, Paul Aucoin (of Hylozoists fame) lays down his whirring vibraphones; a perfect companion to Barrett's modest kalimba and warm and nurturing voice. Aucoin is also credited for recording and mixing Victory Garden. Also featured on the 12-track album is Laura's return to her piano playing roots. These rich melodies and intricate arrangements weave and wisp through Barrett's lyrics, sweet and furious rants about technologies that divide and alienate. Laura Barrett's music has taken root with Victory Garden and its fruits are abundant.