Sweet Whirl + Gregor Cover Have You Ever Seen the Rain

Generally speaking, I shy away from cover songs; it’s just not my thing. But, who doesn’t have a soft spot for “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” Plus, who wouldn’t love to hear their favorite up and coming artists, like Sweet Whirl and Gregor unite to put their spin on it. The duo turn the classic rock ballad into this slinking synth pop snake that weaves its way into your brain, somehow nestling right next to the original. I love the dense combination of the vocals during the chorus, giving a heaviness to those notes, rather than letting them soar wistfully as they do in Credence’s version. Both artists are also great in their own right, so be sure to visit their solo work as well…all if you can find with Chapter Music!

Sweet Whirl Announces How Much Works

Thanks to my on-going infatuation with Australia’s Chapter Music, I’ve had Sweet Whirl on my radar for a hot minute, but today she announces How Much Works, her debut LP…and she does so in striking fashion. I remarked last time I covered a tune from the project how powerful Esther Edquist’s voice was, and here, it sounds even more assured than a year ago; it’s bolder somehow, carrying the weight of the song as piano and atmospherics collide into one another. The sparseness of the song allows the emotion to tear through your speakers and hits you across the face. This new LP will be out on March 29th.

Please to Meet You Sweet Whirl

A great deal of my childhood was spent listening to my father’s folk collection, and perhaps that, more than any other memory, will be our legacy. I mention this as Esther Edquist aka Sweet Whirl seems steeped in the rich history of folk music; her powerful voice has this faint quiver in it, something that reminds me of Harris or Baez. The track’s arrangement definitely aid to the songs depth, though those bits seem careful to stay out of the way when necessary. It’s a striking voice, and, for me, a striking introduction to the newest Australian export to land on Chapter Music; the label will release Love Songs & Poetry on May 3rd.