Old Sky New is the second album from Chicago, USA-born singer songwriter Rachel Drew, and the one that has got her on our radar. Recorded with her band at the Grammy-winning Joyride Studios, it’s a tantalising feast for lovers of folk and Americana.
By Graeme Smith
Rachel’s previous album Under The Sun landed in 2016, and she would have released its follow up sooner had it not been for the pandemic. Instead, she took the time to write more songs and they are what form Old Sky New, twelve meditations on the topic of change.
The album has already been teased by single If My Heart Was Made For You. With the feeling of a classic about it, it brings together slow but funky bass, simmering organ and expressive vocals that speaks of how love can be bittersweet. It all builds to a lively finish that will have you shaking out all the bad vibes.
In the album’s early running, we get bright and longing romance in When I Dream Of You, rustic poetry in Please Don’t Wake Me Up (or Bring Me Down), the timeless dreaminess of Somewhere Waiting For Me, and the pleading and sorrowful I’ll Never Change. Its pandemic origins then shine through in Stuck In The House All Day, which strikes the perfect balance between bright and melancholic. It’s a highlight.
The second half expands things musically, journeying through genre and drawing on some surprise influences. Blaze for You is hazy and smoky while Life Goes On gives us some honky-tonk piano and finger-picked guitar. Summer’s Over gives us vibrant blues rock, Old Friend, wistful country, and Forever Wishing swinging yet mournful folk pop. Before If My Heart Was Made For You rounds off the album, If I Were A Child sees Rachel deliver a powerhouse performance that amplifies the emotional groundwork laid.
While it all adds up to an eclectic collection, it always feels cohesive and we are forever anchored by Rachel’s charismatic and passionate vocals. Old Sky New is an album that’s rich with relatable human stories, beautifully and innovatively presented. It’s a must listen.
Old Sky New features John Szymanski on guitars and keyboards, Alton Smith on keyboards, Cathie Van Wert Menard on violin, Chloe F. Orwell on saxophone, Michael Krayniak on bass, and Jason Batchko on drums. Recording, mixing and mastering is by Blaise Barton. The album is set for release on 1 March. If you happen to be stateside, Rachel will be playing a release show on 28 March at Fitzgerald’s Nightclub in Berwyn, Illinois.