Chris Pureka
The Ark
8 p.m. Oct. 16
http://www.chrispureka.com
On Chris Pureka's earthy sophomore album there's a sense her musical stylings haven't evolved much. While Pureka's feet stay planted in folksy, acoustic guitar-driven ditties, it's her husky voice that fits like a wool sweater and fiercely drives the literature-like "Dryland."
Themes of love and lost are recycled from Pureka's debut, "Driving North," but the lesbian singer-songwriter's wise words vividly resonate through poetic lyrics, and her gritty delivery follows in the shadows of folk master Patty Griffin.
Pureka confronts being in a suicidal state on "Cruel and Clumsy," where her vulnerable delivery and honest lyrics offer light in the midst of complete darkness. Blending acoustic guitar and harmonica, the tune's emotional intensity forces itself from Pureka's mouth right into our heart.
"You know the feel of cold steel to temple, and you know the feel of razor to wrist and you're lost in a room that rocks back and forth like a shipdeck," sings Pureka, her voice raw.
The album closes with the title track, which showcases Pureka's voice over sparse guitar before the strumming kicks in full force during the chorus.
Like "Driving North," Pureka's artistic merit is rooted in her ability to master catchy guitar melodies, but moreover to blend those with vivid snapshots of her life.
"Driving North" was as masterfully crafted as a Van Gogh painting. But "Dryland" is that painting coming to life.
