Naming an album for your 98-year-old grandmother may be a sweet and affecting move, but it could prove a shallow one if the music therein fails to live up to the pedigree. Fortunately for Hannah Georgas, however, her third studio effort, For Evelyn, is a deeply probing record that flows seamlessly between self-doubt and irrational confidence, all without missing an off-kilter dance beat.
This one is all over the place in all the best ways, with sprawling, layered melodies that build skyward but end in a discomfiting hush (opener “Rideback”) and funky, brassy dance beats that belie a painful sense of self-awareness (“Waste”). Whereas most artists are content to have a “thing” that makes them easy to pin down and categorize, Georgas is as slippery as the synthesizer that drives “Naked Beaches” forward.
For Evelyn is the work of an artist who’s supremely confident in her craft — so confident that she didn’t think twice before naming her album after an aged, beloved family member. “She’s lived almost a century on this planet and has witnessed so much,” Georgas says. “I have a lot of respect for her and she inspires me. This album is an acknowledgement of that.” It’s also a coming-out party of sorts for the indie pop singer-songwriter, and one that’s just as likely to make you dance as it is to make you cry. Ever cried while dancing? If not, friend, then you haven’t lived.
According to Georgas, the album “came from a concentrated period of writing, during which I was in transition and experiencing a number of changes in my life. The feeling of being unsettled and dealing with the anxiety of change is a common thread throughout,” she explained to Consequence of Sound. “I also reflected on the need to be more present and conscious in the moment and to not let fear dictate any of my decisions.”
For Evelyn is due out June 24th (preorder here), but we’ve got the full stream for you below. Scroll down to listen in and check out Georgas’ upcoming tour itinerary.
Hannah Georgas 2016 Tour Dates:
06/20 – Portland, ME @ Port City Music Hall *
06/21 – Providence, RI @ Fete Music Hall *
06/22 – New York, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg *
06/24 – Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts *
06/25 – Kitchener, ON @ Centre in the Square
06/28 – Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark *
06/29 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall *
06/30 – Madison, WI @ High Noon *
07/02 – Detroit, MI @ Shelter *
* = w/ Boy & Bear
