Staten Island, USA-based song writer, pianist and bassist Ann Marie Nacchio first came to my attention in March through her EP It’s been a day, a week, a month, a year. Not resting on her laurels, she’s already released another EP. The second part of the same story, it’s called And Now It’s Time For A Breakdown.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Ted Maniatakos
Together the two EPs make up a series called The Outward Spiral, and And Now It’s Time For A Breakdown is that rare thing – a concept EP. Ann sings, plays piano and bass on this EP, and she’s joined by Adam Tilzer on guitar, Daniel Bradley on drums, Ward Williams on cello and KJ the Oddysy who plays bass on a couple of tracks.
The EP opens with Mo(u)rning, which meditates on how the start of the day can often be the most depressing. We immediately get Ann’s musical style storytelling and she accompanies herself on piano beautifully. It’s an emotionally-charged piece with a big finish that wonderfully sets the tone for what’s to come.
Tell Me Something is comparatively bright and airy, with a soft rock and jazz arrangement, and bittersweet lyrics. Wrong ties the themes of the first two tracks together, speaking of depression in the context of a relationship. Its lyrics are honest and unflinching which makes it a highlight. How closes the EP with electric guitar, blues rock and Ann’s vocals at their most passionate.
Ann Marie Nacchio is an artist that has turned her struggles to strengths and has a wonderful ear for composition and song writing. There’s a timelessness to her sound, but also a welcoming familiarity. The emotion of this EP leaves nothing unsaid and its lyrical story will have you feeling every moment.
Produced and recorded by Adam Tilzer, you can check out And Now It’s Time For A Breakdown below.