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Jess Abran – Diary of a Flame EP Review
It was either Hip Rock Magazine where I met the hidden gem from Canada, Jess Abran. It wasn’t the curly red hair or youthful look that hooked me, it was the music. It was striking to hear such depth and commandment in her vocals, the kind that begged listeners to take a deeper look into what makes up her energy.
I remember being left with the impression that I was on a high dollar cruise vacation and she was on stage with show girls wowing the crowd. Not with any particular outfit but with such a raspy, powerful voice that it pulled my attention away from what I was doing and forced me to immerse myself in what she had to say.
Now, about a dozen years later from that haunting experience I get a chance to immerse myself again into her diary, Diary of a Flame EP, that is. It’s an Alternative/Indie/Folk experience that is definitely appropriate for her voice. I’m expecting good things from her 3rd album (the 2nd one I’ll review soon) not because she has that wow factor but because it’s a culmination of blood, sweat and tears over the course of a couple years with standout artists and music engineers in the Montreal scene such as Stephen Voyce, Jordan Barillaro of Planet Studios and Dave Traina, of The Damn Truth.
What’s more impressive to me is that she did it completely independently. No management, no agents, not any kind of investment and perhaps no naysayers either, at least I hope not. If she did, well, they’re probably eating those words right now.
Miss Abran, what do we have this time around?
Turns out, still that damn sexy voice! This time it’s less raspy and more melodic with a whisper type of effect on her vocals that was definitely a great decision. Blending the atmosphere of an acoustic guitar, raw instruments and subtle effects proves that Jess doesn’t need anything, really, to sound like a masterpiece.
Having been left with the showgirl expectation from the last time I buried myself into her music I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t the case this time. Character Cliche is the perfect first song for this EP. The music is catchy, that voice is mesmerizing, and the message of disappointment in a person you’re getting to know is all too familiar. I definitely played this one several times.
Seven Seas kept this emotion going and continued to haunt me.
Lonesome Tonight is breathtaking. How does she do this to me with just her vocals? I actually felt my tear ducts get wet.
Undertones continues this feeling of longing. What am I longing for exactly? I might need a hug if this keeps up. In fact, the next song, Make Me Float, leads me to believe she needs a hug too.
Rounding out the EP is That Song and it’s another hook right away. I’m sad now. The reality of a snapshot of where I’m at in my life, how much time I might have left and knowing that I’ll likely need to go ahead and give up a few dreams finally brought those tears to surface. Oh, Jess, what have you done to me?
The EP is over now and I’m mixed in my emotions. I’d like to convey my experience appropriately here. So, first, I say that these songs are all fantastic! The energy she exudes is raw. Real. If there was one woman I’d want to get to know just to bask in effective energy, it’s Jess Abran. That voice still gives me chills, desires, contemplation and takes my attention completely. This is what makes this EP so damn good!
However, I wonder what kind of mood I would wind up feeling in her presence. With all that she has going for her, this vulnerable side of her soaks into my feels. Jess did an amazing job of having me feel perhaps her pain and disappointment but most likely I’m feeling my own. Perhaps, too much. I did find myself needing a break after the fourth song. Talk about powerful!
After finishing the 5th and 6th songs I sat down and listened to it a second time, completely invested. Wish I had some wine because it feels like I’m sitting across from her. We need to talk. This EP opens a door to what could only be long, deep, worthwhile conversations.
All in all, Diary of a Flame EP will have you pulled into Jess Abran’s aura. You may find yourself feeling the memories playing in her mind as she wrote and recorded it. That haunting, sexy voice, excellent use of effects on subtle acoustic songs and the effortless ways she makes you feel something is paramount in staying power. Plus, each song is damn good!
Because of her ability to command emotion, I’m not sure I could sit and listen to all these songs in a row ever again. I did find myself wanting a break from them, wanting a couple of upbeat songs, different tempo, or something to break the hold she had on me. I would happily add each of these to a playlist that had other songs in it just to make it more manageable to my head space. I definitely don’t want to be reminded of the parts of relationships that weren’t so good or the dreams that I may have to give up. Ugh, the realness, Jess! None of what I’m saying is a slam in any way. These are examples of what the music in a soul can do. Kudos to the producer on this EP too! Really nailed it!
I’m convinced that Jess Abran is a person of depth. I’ve seen her jovial demeanor in that food and travel show she used to host, I see her longing, sad memories in this EP and I’ve seen her bounce between both in her “Naive” debut. This is a woman that you just want to sit across from for hours and talk about life with. It’s likely you’d cry, laugh, have an incredible hug and cherish the memory for life. With his kind of feeling after listening to music, it’s a pinnacle many reach for and few achieve. For these reasons I give Jess Abran’s Diary of a Flame EP a 12 out of 12 on the chromatic scale. Now, where’s a tissue? Oh, wait, the slow cooker is done. Time to eat to feel better.