Sea Sew Suds

by HJ Mills in Album Reviews, Musician Reviews, Reviews, Song Reviews, bands to watch

The first thought that pops into my head when I think of Lisa Hannigan’s “I Don’t Know” is a pink, sparkling bubble bath because that’s what it sounds like – an audio bubble bath. Singing with a smile that can be heard through any speakers, Hannigan proudly sings “I don’t know if you write letters or you panic on the phone/I’d like to call you all the same/If you want to/I am game.” Though the music video lacks the suds, the paper cut-outs work out nicely. As her second single, it’s lovely as a single rose to pluck or biting into a ripe mango – so sweet.

Miss Hannigan’s first solo endeavor, Sea Sew, was released in the winter but didn’t end up in my hands until my birthday. Prior to then, I took her in spoonfuls of YouTube and her brief but delightful interview with Stephen Colbert. Unfortunately, she did get to entertain the comedian with the other gem.

“Ocean And A Rock” is currently on repeat, giving me the feeling of fresh, warm laundry. The luscious strings and heartfelt, intimate lyrics always try to seduce me into the idea that this might be one of favorite love songs written to a man. Hannigan gingerly breathes, “I feel you in the pocket of my overcoat/My fingers wrap around your words/They take the shape of the games we play”. And that’s just the beginning. Literally.

“Lille” is the lead single and the last song written, according to NPR. Hannigan beautifully defines the true meaning of bittersweet in this darling lullaby about growing after a broken relationship. Its video is sincere and makes you smile, despite its melancholy meaning.

You can definitely taste the salt in “Sea Song”. Hannigan acknowledges that we’re all a little shattered in one way or another, in return unveiling what makes each of us exquisite.

Sea Sew is bountiful with its honey, bath bubbles, worn strings, and pure charm. Hannigan debuts wonderfully with the whispers and beauty of Nick Drake, but with the small happiness of licking melted ice cream off a cone in summer. This album is sweet enough to satisfy, but definitely won’t give you a toothache.